Electrical sensitivity

[Guest guest]

Hi Joanie,Unless you can find some sort of literature that speaks to this man's presenting symptoms as a real neurophysiological phenomenon (and I'd be very interested if you did), I wouldn't take his symptoms literally. I'd assume that neurofeedback, as far as his perceived symptoms go, would serve to  perform a symbolic transformation of the " bad electricity " he is experiencing into the " good electricity " administered by a nice, caring health professional (sort of like an exorcism).

This man sounds as if he's had a hard life in many ways and, like many of us, feels better when he interprets his problems as having a somatic (i.e., extermal, " objective " ) basis. Which doesn't mean there isn't a somatic basis (as well as a psychological one) for his problems. But it is extremely unlikely that it's operating in the way he thinks it is (i.e., neurological reactions to cell phone signals or whatever). So as far as neurofeedback goes, we're probably back to Pete's: Do an assessment and on that basis see what needs to be trained.

Liz On Mon, Jan 24, 2011 at 12:39 AM, Joan <ckerftruth@...> wrote:

 

Hello Listmates,

I thought I would give this a shot on the forum... We recently starting working with a gentleman who came to us for of all things...electrical sensitivity. He has a host of other problems and has spent the last 10 years trying to get himself in a healthy place, however he now suffers from this e- sensivity and can not use 3G or 4G cell phones, get under high power lines or use certain computers else he feels a weird sensation in the back of his head and he get dizzy, disoriented and very, very weak. He is a very fragile man anyway, tall, very thin, he can only tolerate certion foods, highly sensitive to gluten, dairy, etc. claims that he was Autism spectrum when he was a kids...reacted and became very sick with each vaccine, had shingles twice when he was young child and then after had chicken pox...then spent about 20 years doing hard-core drugs...says that everytime he gets around these power devices he sometimes feels like he used to when he was coming off of drug highs.

Anyway, anybody have any insights or experience with electrical sensitivities? Also, forgot to mention, this sensitivity started after he was exposed to black mold when he lived in Texas.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance

Joanie

[Guest guest]

Now, I am not saying that this stuff is not true by any means but as a counselor, when someone comes in with a host of things that are wrong, I rule out an anxiety disorder. Some people with anxiety are overreactors and when something little happens they blow it out of proportion.

I would asses him and see if he has high beta's expecially over the temporals. Just a thought.

Connie Electrical Sensitivity

Hello Listmates,I thought I would give this a shot on the forum... We recently starting working with a gentleman who came to us for of all things...electrical sensitivity. He has a host of other problems and has spent the last 10 years trying to get himself in a healthy place, however he now suffers from this e- sensivity and can not use 3G or 4G cell phones, get under high power lines or use certain computers else he feels a weird sensation in the back of his head and he get dizzy, disoriented and very, very weak. He is a very fragile man anyway, tall, very thin, he can only tolerate certion foods, highly sensitive to gluten, dairy, etc. claims that he was Autism spectrum when he was a kids...reacted and became very sick with each vaccine, had shingles twice when he was young child and then after had chicken pox...then spent about 20 years doing hard-core drugs...says that everytime he gets around these power devices he sometimes feels like he used to when he was coming off of drug highs. Anyway, anybody have any insights or experience with electrical sensitivities? Also, forgot to mention, this sensitivity started after he was exposed to black mold when he lived in Texas.Any ideas?Thanks in advanceJoanie

[Guest guest]

You can google electrical sensiivity there is a couple articles with references Electrical Sensitivity as an Emerging Illness by Lucinda Grant ---------- Original Message ----------From: Margoshes <drmargoshes@...> Subject: Re: Electrical SensitivityDate: Mon, 24 Jan 2011 07:25:02 -0500

[Guest guest]

Joan,

That's a greater sensitivity than I've yet encountered, but I'm increasingly

encountering clients with severe sensitivites of all sorts, including electrical

pulses. They almost always also have extreme anxiety, sometimes severe

hallucinations and/or rage outbursts. This gentleman is similar in many ways to

a number of routine mental health clients I've seen over the past few years.

They are so sensitive that using anything that attaches is intolerable (e.g they

can feel the electricity from the eeg lead) and noise from the machines and

monitors in the rooms seems to feel to them like a screech of fingers across a

blackboard feels to me, so biofeedback has been extremly difficult. I've even

come to the difficult conclusion that biofeedback is often becoming essentially

useless unless it is accompnaied by a dramatic dietary change.

The sensory sensitivity I've seen has had me extremely fascinated and I've done

a lot of digging. Something is happenning in the mental health community where

I'm located that was rare 15 years ago and is now becoming rather commen. It's

actually much like what the autsitic spectrum kids experience and I do not

believe it's just that I'm more aware. I also DO NOT believe it's just an

exageration of their anxiety. I think it's more likely their anxiety is a

natural outcome of the sensory sensisitvity and that is caused from the same

root because of the GABA deficiency that develops.

I've recently concluded that it may come down to immune system compromise and

inflamation in the brain. I don't have specific sources for that notion, it's

just an extrapolation of some fascinating recent research I've encountered.

Every client I've seen with an extreme sensory sensitivity begins to slowly get

better if (and only if) they do things that would strengthen the immune system

such as real water, real food without preservatives, omega 3, pleasant sensory

experience, etc.

These clients are very sad to see. They are sufferring extremely and are slowly

dying as all sorts of medical problems develop. NO medicine really helps. Like

one client told me: " the medicine keeps me from having such a strong rage

response, but it actually makes me a little more sensitive " .

I've just started doing HRV feedback with these clients. It doesn't help the

sensitivity, but gives them a tool to use when exposed to the things that cause

them such extreme distress.

There's much yet to learn. These problems are going to become very commen.

Dan

>

> Hello Listmates,

>

> I thought I would give this a shot on the forum... We recently starting

working with a gentleman who came to us for of all things...electrical

sensitivity. He has a host of other problems and has spent the last 10 years

trying to get himself in a healthy place, however he now suffers from this e-

sensivity and can not use 3G or 4G cell phones, get under high power lines or

use certain computers else he feels a weird sensation in the back of his head

and he get dizzy, disoriented and very, very weak. He is a very fragile man

anyway, tall, very thin, he can only tolerate certion foods, highly sensitive

to gluten, dairy, etc. claims that he was Autism spectrum when he was a

kids...reacted and became very sick with each vaccine, had shingles twice when

he was young child and then after had chicken pox...then spent about 20 years

doing hard-core drugs...says that everytime he gets around these power devices

he sometimes feels like he used to when he was coming off of drug highs.

>

> Anyway, anybody have any insights or experience with electrical

sensitivities? Also, forgot to mention, this sensitivity started after he was

exposed to black mold when he lived in Texas.

>

> Any ideas?

>

> Thanks in advance

> Joanie

>

[Guest guest]

Dan, I don't mean to hijack this thread from Joan, but I'm hoping you'll post a litte bit more explanation about the connection between this and GABA deficiencies.

Joan, I don't know whether this is a solution, but maybe HEG could help. I have been working with a boy who was so anxious and fearful of pretty much everything that I couldn't even attach electrodes to his head. We started out with HEG because it was the only thing he could tolerate. After eight pIR HEG sessions, his mother described him as "a new kid," and I was able to start using EEG NF in the parietals, combined with continuing HEG. Interestingly, he insists that any paste left in his hair before I can get around to removing it "hurts," though it doesn't bother him while he's training. At first, I thought he was worried about the paste being there, but I now suspect that when he focuses on the sensation it really does hurt in some way that it does not when he's focused on training.

Also, there is a technique called NAET, which stands for Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Technique and is a combination of acupressure and acupuncture. It is controversial--some swear by it and some say it's dangerous, or snake oil, or both (I had a positive experience within my own family). Your client will need to find a good practitioner if he decided to pursue it, because all too many are simply useless. Anyway, when it works NAET can eliminate response to allergens in the environment. It won't work on electrical sensitivity, but it might do something about that black mold, which might in turn allow the immune system to dial itself back a notch or two.

Tamera

[Guest guest]

At the end

of this email I have included about 100 abstracts regarding the effects of

environmental electromagnetic fields on sensitive individuals and tissues. Of

immediate importance are protective measures. Most of these abstracts deal with

melatonin.

I

encourage you all to visit the homepage of Wiley's " Journal of Pineal

Research " and search through the article names for the last year or so.

http://www.wiley.com/bw/journal.asp?ref=0742-3098

I believe

you will be astonished at the diversity of relevant effects of melatonin. Melatonin

does not respond to its own circulating level (which makes supplementation

safe), it responds only to light cycles. And there seems to be an epic conflict

between the sun and mankind's disturbed sleep cycles.

Neurofeedback

practitioners have the tools to deal with the relationship between melatonin,

sleep, and cognitive and physiological health. And if your license permits, you

can use neuroprotective measures such as supplemental melatonin,

n-acetyl-l-cystein, etc.

I

would also encourage you to take a visit to " Gigahertz

Solutions " , a German company that makes state of the art equipment that

can analyze total electromagnetic pollution across a wide spectrum. They also

offer copper paint (for your EEG office) as well as special netting and other

products that can reduce the impact of EMF in home and office:

http://www.gigahertz-solutions.com/en/Home.html

You can

also do a research for the new police-military communications networks called

" Tetra " in Europe. The penetrating microwaves are modulated at

several frequencies including beta 17.6 Hz. This knowledge is so well established

in microwave engineering and communication journals that I will leave it to you

to decide the validity of the thousands of complaints of behavior problems in

European children in schools who have leased their roofs for antenna farms.

In short, your

client may be more sensitive than most of us. You could take three sacks. One

would have a cell phone communicating with another phone but with mute turned

on, the second sack could be a cell phone with the battery removed, and the

third a pack of cards. Pre-warm the pack of cards and disabled cell phone, so

that he will not be able to judge by heat. Ask him to hold each to his head and

decide which is most disturbing. Be certain to do the test several times to

rule out a lucky guess.

Best

wishes,

Dailey

[1] Mortazavi

SM, et al. Prevalence of subjective poor health symptoms associated with

exposure to electromagnetic fields among university students.

Bioelectromagnetics. 2007 May;28(4):326-30.

[2]

Landgrebe M, et al. Association of tinnitus and electromagnetic hypersensitivity:

hints for a shared pathophysiology? PLoS One. 2009;4(3):e5026. Epub 2009

Mar 27.

[3] Oktem

F, et al (2005) - Oxidative damage in the kidney induced by 900-MHz-emitted

mobile phone: protection by melatonin. Arch Med Res. 2005 Jul-Aug;36(4):350-5.

[4] Hung

CS, et al (2007) - Mobile phone talk-mode signal delays EEG-determined sleep

onset.  Neuroscience Letters 421 (2007) 82–86

---------

ABSTRACTS

Bioelectromagnetics.

2007 May;28(4):326-30.

Prevalence

of subjective poor health symptoms associated with exposure to electromagnetic

fields among university students.

Mortazavi

SM, Ahmadi J, Shariati M. Biophysics-Biochemistry Department, School of

Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences (RUMS), Rafsanjan, Iran.

The number

of people complaining about different symptoms that may be associated with

exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) has increased rapidly during past

years. Students use both mobile phones and video display terminals frequently.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of mobile phone

use and EMF health hazards. Basic demographic data and self-reported

symptoms were sought using a questionnaire administered to all apparently

healthy students at afsanjan University of Medical Sciences (RUMS) and

Vali-e-Asr University (VAU). Questions about some major confounding

factors such as age, gender, amount of video display terminal work were also

included. Exact Fischer Test was used for data analysis. Among self-reported

symptoms, headache (53.5%), fatigue (35.6%), difficulties in concentration

(32.5%), vertigo/dizziness (30.4%), attention disorders (28.8%), nervousness

(28.1%), palpitation (14.7%), low back pain (14.3%), myalgia (12.4%), and

tinnitus (9.9%) were the main self-reported symptoms. No significant

differences in the prevalence of these symptoms were found between CRT users

and those who did not use CRTs. A significant association was found between

cordless phone use and difficulties in concentration (P < .05) or attention

disorders (P < .05). However, after correction of the gender role, these

differences were not significant. No association was found between mobile phone

use and the above-mentioned symptoms. No significantly higher prevalence of

self-reported symptoms was found in individuals who had used mobile phones,

video display terminals or cordless phones more frequently than others.

Mass-media's lack of interest in the possible hazards of exposure to EMF in

developing countries can explain the difference observed between the results of

this study and those of other researchers in some developed countries who have

shown an association between EMF exposure and the prevalence of self-reported

subjective symptoms. This finding can confirm the results obtained in

provocative studies which indicated the role of psychological factors in

electromagnetic hypersensitivity. More research is needed to clarify whether

daily environmental EMF may cause health problems.

PMID:

17330851

Arch Med

Res. 2005 Jul-Aug;36(4):350-5.

Oxidative

damage in the kidney induced by 900-MHz-emitted mobile phone: protection by

melatonin.

Oktem F,

Ozguner F, Mollaoglu H, Koyu A, Uz E.

Department

of Pediatric Nephrology, School of Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University,

Isparta, Turkey.

BACKGROUND:

The mobile phones emitting 900-MHz electromagnetic radiation (EMR) may be

mainly absorbed by kidneys because they are often carried in belts. Melatonin,

the chief secretory product of the pineal gland, was recently found to be a

potent free radical scavenger and antioxidant. The aim of this study was

to examine 900-MHz mobile phone-induced oxidative stress that promotes

production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on renal tubular damage and the

role of melatonin on kidney tissue against possible oxidative damage in rats.

METHODS: The animals were randomly grouped as follows: 1) sham-operated control

group and 2) study groups: i) 900-MHz EMR exposed (30 min/day for 10 days)

group and ii) 900-MHz EMR exposed+melatonin (100 microg kg(-1) s.c.

before the daily EMR exposure) treated group. Malondialdehyde (MDA), an index

of lipid peroxidation), and urine N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase (NAG), a

marker of renal tubular damage were used as markers of oxidative stress-induced

renal impairment. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione

peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were studied to evaluate the changes of

antioxidant status. RESULTS: In the EMR-exposed group, while tissue MDA and

urine NAG levels increased, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities were reduced.

Melatonin treatment reversed these effects as well. In this study, the increase

in MDA levels of renal tissue and in urine NAG and also the decrease in renal

SOD, CAT, GSH-Px activities demonstrated the role of oxidative mechanism

induced by 900-MHz mobile phone exposure, and melatonin, via its free radical

scavenging and antioxidant properties, ameliorated oxidative tissue injury in

rat kidney. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that melatonin may exhibit a

protective effect on mobile phone-induced renal impairment in rats.

PMID:

15950073

Bioelectromagnetics.

2010 Apr;31(3):237-45.

Signal transduction

of the melatonin receptor MT1 is disrupted in breast cancer cells by

electromagnetic fields.

Girgert R,

Hanf V, Emons G, Gründker C.

Department

of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.

The growth

of estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer cells is inhibited by the

pineal gland hormone, melatonin. Concern has been raised that power-line

frequency and microwave electromagnetic fields (EMFs) could reduce the

efficiency of melatonin on breast cancer cells. In this study we investigated

the impact of EMFs on the signal transduction of the high-affinity

receptor MT1 in parental MCF-7 cells and MCF-7 cells transfected with the MT1

gene. The binding of the cAMP-responsive element binding (CREB) protein to a

promoter sequence of BRCA-1 after stimulation with melatonin was analyzed by a

gel-shift assay and the expression of four estrogen-responsive genes was

measured in sham-exposed breast cancer cells and cells exposed to a

sinusoidal 50 Hz EMF of 1.2 microT for 48 h. In sham-exposed cells,

binding of CREB to the promoter of BRCA-1 was increased by estradiol and

subsequently diminished by treatment with melatonin. In cells exposed to 1.2

microT, 50 Hz EMF, binding of CREB was almost completely omitted.

Expression of BRCA-1, p53, p21(WAF), and c-myc was increased by estradiol

stimulation and subsequently decreased by melatonin treatment in both cell

lines, except for p53 expression in the transfected cell line, thereby proving

the antiestrogenic effect of melatonin at molecular level. In contrast, in

breast cancer cells transfected with MT1 exposed to 1.2 microT of the 50 Hz

EMF, the expression of p53 and c-myc increased significantly after melatonin

treatment but for p21(WAF) the increase was not significant. These results

convincingly prove the negative effect of EMF on the antiestrogenic effect of

melatonin in breast cancer cells.

PMID:

19882681

Brain Res.

2010 Jan 22;1311:189-96. Epub 2009 Oct 30.

Exposure

to 1800 MHz radiofrequency radiation induces oxidative damage to mitochondrial

DNA in primary cultured neurons.

Xu S, Zhou

Z, Zhang L, Yu Z, Zhang W, Wang Y, Wang X, Li M, Chen Y, Chen C, He M, Zhang G,

Zhong M.

Department

of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University, No 30 Gaotanyan

Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing 400038, People's Republic of China.

Increasing

evidence indicates that oxidative stress may be involved in the adverse effects

of radiofrequency (RF) radiation on the brain. Because mitochondrial DNA

(mtDNA) defects are closely associated with various nervous system diseases and

mtDNA is particularly susceptible to oxidative stress, the purpose of this

study was to determine whether radiofrequency radiation can cause oxidative

damage to mtDNA. In this study, we exposed primary cultured cortical neurons to

pulsed RF electromagnetic fields at a frequency of 1800 MHz modulated by

217 Hz at an average special absorption rate (SAR) of 2 W/kg. At 24 h after

exposure, we found that RF radiation induced a significant increase in the levels

of 8-hydroxyguanine (8-OHdG), a common biomarker of DNA oxidative damage, in

the mitochondria of neurons. Concomitant with this finding, the copy

number of mtDNA and the levels of mitochondrial RNA (mtRNA) transcripts

showed an obvious reduction after RF exposure. Each of these mtDNA disturbances

could be reversed by pretreatment with melatonin, which is known to be an

efficient antioxidant in the brain. Together, these results suggested

that 1800 MHz RF radiation could cause oxidative damage to mtDNA in primary

cultured neurons. Oxidative damage to mtDNA may account for the

neurotoxicity of RF radiation in the brain.

PMID:

19879861

Ann Ist

Super Sanita. 2009;45(3):233-7.

Health

effects of magnetic fields generated from power lines: new clues for an old

puzzle.

Comba P,

Fazzo L.

Thirty

years ago, Wertheimer and Ed Leeper published the first report on the

association between childhood cancer and " electrical current

configuration " of houses in Denver, Colorado. In 2001 the International

Agency for Research on Cancer defined 50-60 Hz magnetic fields as

" possibly carcinogenic to humans " because of the " limited

evidence " of carcinogenicity of residential exposure relatively to

childhood leukemia. With respect to health effects other than cancer, namely

neurodegenerative disorders, miscarriage, subtle differences in the timing of

melatonin release, altered autonomic control of the heart, and changes in the

number of natural killer cells, some open questions still remain. Several

authors recommended further investigation of the possible long-term effects of

magnetic fields, focussing on populations experiencing high exposure levels. In

this frame a research team of ISS searched for a suitable location to

implement an epidemiological study aimed at a wide range of outcomes for which

a priori hypotheses could be formulated. The recently published findings

of this project showed an increase of primary and secondary malignant

neoplasms, ischaemic disease and haematological diseases. Future studies should

thus address the most exposed sectors of the population, take into account

different outcomes (all neoplasms, neurodegenerative diseases,

immunological disorders, specific cardiovascular effects) and follow research

protocols that enable subsequent pooled analyses. A precautionary approach may

provide the frame for decision making where the available resources for

environmental remediation be prioritatively allocated to worst-off situations.

PMID:

19861725

Bioelectromagnetics.

2010 Feb;31(2):164-71.

Comparing

performances of logistic regression and neural networks for predicting

melatonin excretion patterns in the rat exposed to ELF magnetic fields.

Jahandideh

S, Abdolmaleki P, Movahedi MM.

Faculty of

Science, Department of Biophysics, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

Various

studies have been reported on the bioeffects of magnetic field exposure;

however, no consensus or guideline is available for experimental designs

relating to exposure conditions as yet. In this study, logistic regression (LR)

and artificial neural networks (ANNs) were used in order to analyze and predict

the melatonin excretion patterns in the rat exposed to extremely low frequency

magnetic fields (ELF-MF). Subsequently, on a database containing 33

experiments, performances of LR and ANNs were compared through

resubstitution and jackknife tests. Predictor variables were more effective

parameters and included frequency, polarization, exposure duration, and

strength of magnetic fields. Also, five performance measures including

accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, 's Correlation Coefficient (MCC) and

normalized percentage, better than random (S) were used to evaluate the

performance of models. The LR as a conventional model obtained poor prediction

performance. Nonetheless, LR distinguished the duration of magnetic

fields as a statistically significant parameter. Also, horizontal polarization

of magnetic fields with the highest logit coefficient (or parameter

estimate) with negative sign was found to be the strongest indicator for

experimental designs relating to exposure conditions. This means that each

experiment with horizontal polarization of magnetic fields has a higher

probability to result in " not changed melatonin level " pattern. On

the other hand, ANNs, a more powerful model which has not been introduced in

predicting melatonin excretion patterns in the rat exposed to ELF-MF, showed

high performance measure values and higher reliability, especially obtaining

0.55 value of MCC through jackknife tests. Obtained results showed that such

predictor models are promising and may play a useful role in defining

guidelines for experimental designs relating to exposure conditions. In

conclusion, analysis of the bioelectromagnetic data could result in

finding a relationship between electromagnetic fields and different biological

processes.

PMID:

19771546

Med

Hypotheses. 2009 Oct;73(4):537-41. Epub 2009 Jul 7.

Light

Hygiene: Time to make preventive use of insights--old and new--into the nexus

of the drug light, melatonin, clocks, chronodisruption and public health.

Erren TC,

Reiter RJ.

Institute

and Policlinic for Occupational and Social Medicine, University of Cologne,

Kerpener Strasse 62, 50937 Köln, Lindenthal, Germany. tim.erren@...

Light is, clearly,

a key to life on Earth and light, equally clearly, determines biological

rhythmicity in organisms. Light does the latter by setting internal or

endogenous clocks which allow a multitude of species, including man, to adjust

their lives to changing external or environmental conditions. Critical changes

over time occur from day to night and throughout the year. In this paper, we

sum up how visible light provides electromagnetic information about

environmental " time " via the ocular interface of newly discovered

photoreceptive cells to a master clock in our brain, viz the suprachiasmatic

nuclei [sCN], and how the SCN translate this input, with melatonin as a

key biologic intermediary, into endogenous or biological time. We summarize

experimental and epidemiological evidence suggesting how chronodisruption, a

relevant disturbance of the temporal organization or order of physiology,

endocrinology, metabolism and behaviour, is probably detrimental for

human beings. On the basis of our synthesis, and in line with suggestions by

other researchers voiced decades ago, light must, functionally, be considered

as a drug equivalent. In this vein, the very timing, quality

(wavelength), quantity (dose) and side effects, including chronodisruption, of

light exposures can be critically important for health and disease in man. As a

promising means to foster public health, we advocate an appropriate balance of

exposures to the key Zeitgeber light in terms of " light hygiene " ,

implying strong and appropriate rather than weak and confusing temporal

information. This focus on " light hygiene " , and thus on the key

Zeitgeber light, does not mean to ignore that there are multiple

entrainment pathways for our circadian clocks. Indeed, when dealing with light,

chronodisruption and a multitude of adverse health effects, we ultimately need

to consider Zeitgeber cues, and their possible interplay, beyond light alone.

Confusions of the temporal programmes in humans can also stem from physical and

social activities, stress and facets of food intake. And yet, since light

possesses a rather unique and exclusive Zeitgeber role and in view of its

ubiquitous nature, a specific, preventative focus on " light hygiene " ,

as a contribution to a general " Zeitgeber hygiene " , is

warranted.

PMID:

19586725

Comp

Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol. 2009 Sep;150(3):372-6. Epub 2009 Jun 11.

Magnetic

fields produced by power lines do not affect growth, serum melatonin,

leukocytes and fledging success in wild kestrels.

Dell'Omo

G, Costantini D, Lucini V, Antonucci G, Nonno R, Polichetti A.

Ornis

italica, Rome, Italy.

Nesting on

high voltage transmission line towers exposes birds to electric and magnetic

fields for long periods. Nestlings are exposed from their development in ovo

until fledging. This is a critical period for them because the quality of the

developmental environment may affect their fitness at adulthood. We carried out

a field study on Eurasian kestrels, Falco tinnunculus, to compare chicks from

pairs nesting on high voltage power lines vs. those nesting in control sites in

similar habitats. The magnetic field (MF) was measured in each nest-box and

analysed in relation to growth curves, melatonin levels, leukocyte counts, and

fledging success. None of the variables differed between exposed and control

nestlings. Wing length (proxy of age) showed a negative covariation with serum

melatonin concentration. Our findings suggest that exposure to MFs produced by

high voltage power lines during the embryonic and post-hatching period (until fledging)

does not have significant short-term physiological effects on kestrel

nestlings.

PMID:

19524062

Med

Hypotheses. 2009 Jul;73(1):115-7. Epub 2009 Mar 19.

An

association between geomagnetic activity and dream bizarreness.

Lipnicki

DM.

Center for

Space Medicine Berlin, Zentrum für Weltraummedizin Berlin, Arnimallee 22,

14195 Berlin, Germany. darrenlipnicki@...

Daily

disturbances of the earth's magnetic field produce variations in geomagnetic

activity (GMA) that are reportedly associated with widespread effects on human

health and behaviour. Some of these effects could be mediated by an established

influence of GMA on the secretion of melatonin. There is evidence from

unrelated research that melatonin influences dream bizarreness, and it is

hypothesised here that there is an association between GMA and dream

bizarreness. Also reported is a preliminary test of this hypothesis, a case

study in which the dreams recorded over 6.5 years by a young adult male were

analysed. Reports of dreams from the second of two consecutive days of either

low or high GMA (K index sum < or =6 or > or = 28) were self-rated for

bizarreness on a 1-5 scale. Dreams from low GMA periods (n=69, median

bizarreness=4) were found to be significantly more bizarre than dreams

from high GMA periods (n=85, median bizarreness=3; p=0.006), supporting the

hypothesised association between GMA and dream bizarreness. Studies with larger

samples are needed to verify this association, and to determine the extent to

which melatonin may be involved. Establishing that there is an association

between GMA and dream bizarreness would have relevance for neurophysiological

theories of dreaming, and for models of psychotic symptoms resembling bizarre

dream events.

PMID:

19303220

Coll

Antropol. 2008 Oct;32 Suppl 2:185-8.

Chromotherapy

in the regulation of neurohormonal balance in human brain--complementary

application in modern psychiatric treatment.

Radeljak

S, Zarković-Palijan T, Kovacević D, Kovac M.

Department

of Forensic Psychiatry, Neuropsychiatric Hospital Dr. Ivan Barbot, Popovaca,

Croatia. sanjaradeljak@...

Chromotherapy

is based on the effect of colored light with different frequencies on

human neurohormonal pathways, precisely on melatonin and serotonin pathways in

brain. There is evidence that visible electromagnetic spectrum of light we see

as colors can have impact on human health, Cicardian rhythm or biological clock

is complex fundamental physiological and biological cycle in human organism.

The biological clock in humans is located in the specialized group of brain

cells called suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) within the anterior hypothalamus.

The complex process of neurohormonal regulation of cicardian rhythm in humans

is essential for synchronized interaction and coordination of internal body

function with the environment. Given these facts it is clear that any shift in

cicardian rhythm results in neurohormonal imbalance which consequently could

lead to various psychiatric disorders affecting humans. Studies on sleep disorders,

depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and post-traumatic stress

disorder (PTSD) suggested that symptoms, signs, and biologic markers

associated to these psychiatric disorders are due to marked alterations in

melatonin and serotonin levels. The main hypothesis of chromotherapy is that

specific colors of the visible spectrum are activators or inhibitors of complex

physiological, biological and biochemical processes in human brain such as

synthesis of various neurohormons. According to all previous findings,

our goal is future investigation of the effect and possible application of

chromotherapy in the complementary psychiatric treatment in patients with

diagnostic criteria which are clearly related to melatonin and serotonin

disturbances.

PMID:

19138024

Bioelectromagnetics.

2009 Jan;30(1):21-8.

Prolonged

weakening of the geomagnetic field (GMF) affects the immune system of rats.

Roman A,

Tombarkiewicz B.

Department

of Brain Biochemistry, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences,

Kraków, Poland. roman@...

The aim of

this study was to find out how a long-term shielding of the geomagnetic field

(GMF) affected the immune system of rats. Male and female Wistar rats were kept

up to an age of 2 months in a natural GMF (about 37 microT). Afterwards, the

rats were divided into four groups (males and females separately): control rats

were maintained in ambient GMF, while experimental animals were housed under

conditions of a weakened GMF (below 12 microT) achieved with steel cages. After

6 months, the rats were sacrificed by decapitation. Spleens and thymuses were

isolated and weighed. Peritoneal cells were eluted and cultured in vitro

to study their ability to produce nitric oxide (NO) and to synthesize

superoxide anion (O2(-)), important microbicidal molecules of macrophages. The

number of macrophages was estimated by a crystal violet staining method. We

found that the long-term shielding of the GMF could influence the functioning

of the immune system in a sex-dependent manner. The deprivation of the GMF

delayed physiological thymus involution, that effect being more strongly

expressed in females. The weakening of the GMF resulted in an increased number

of peritoneal macrophages, especially in males. The shielding of the GMF

diminished the ability of macrophages to release NO and to synthesize

O2(-), those effects being more powerfully expressed in males and females,

respectively. It is proposed that the observed changes in the immune system

occur as a consequence of the protective effect of GMF shielding on the

circadian rhythm-dependent level of melatonin.

PMID:

18563735

Front

Biosci. 2008 May 1;13:6106-25.

Effects

of static magnetic fields in biology: role of free radicals.

Okano H.

International

Innovation Center, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan. okano@...

Biological

systems can respond to a wide range of static magnetic fields (SMF). Some of

these responses seem to be mediated partly through free radical reactions. For

example, in magnetic sense and navigation using the geomagnetic field, one of

the most promising mechanisms for explaining magnetic compass is " a

radical pair mechanism " . Biological free radicals are most commonly oxygen

or nitrogen based with an unpaired electron, leading to the terms

" reactive oxygen species (ROS) " or " reactive nitrogen species

(RNS) " . When applying SMF to medical treatment, coupling SMF exposure with

possible chemotherapy of cancers is a novel fascinating area that SMF could enhance

agent-induced ROS production against tumors. In addition, one of the potent

mechanisms of SMF effects on hemodynamics and blood pressure has

sometimes been linked to nitric oxide pathway. However, health and

environmental concerns have been raised because the SMF effects on oxidative

stress leading to genetic mutation and apoptosis/necrosis have been found. It

seems to take place from free radical generation.

PMID:

18508647

Neurosci

Lett. 2008 Jun 13;438(1):76-9. Epub 2008 Apr 16.

Geomagnetic

activity and human melatonin metabolite excretion.

Burch JB,

Reif JS, Yost MG.

Department

of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC

29208, USA. burch@...

Elevated

geomagnetic activity has been linked with human psychological, neurological and

cardiovascular outcomes, and altered melatonin production has been implicated

as an underlying mechanism to explain these effects. The relationship between

geomagnetic activity and overnight excretion of the melatonin metabolite,

6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate (6-OHMS), was evaluated in a population of 153 male

electric utility workers. The effect of geomagnetic activity combined with

either 60Hz magnetic field or ambient light exposures was also evaluated.

Elevated equivalent amplitudes (USGS, Boulder, CO) were associated with lower

adjusted mean nocturnal 6-OHMS/cr concentrations and reduced total overnight

6-OHMS excretion, consistent with a previous study. Time intervals in

which geomagnetic activity predicted the largest differences in mean 6-OHMS

excretion generally occurred between 15- and 33-h prior to urine sample

collection. These times coincide with key periods of melatonin regulation and

production, respectively, suggesting that geomagnetic activity may play a role

in the entrainment of human melatonin rhythms.

PMID:

18472329

J Pineal

Res. 2008 Nov;45(4):341-50. Epub 2008 Apr 1.

Can

disturbances in the atmospheric electric field created by powerline corona ions

disrupt melatonin production in the pineal gland?

Henshaw

DL, Ward JP, s JC.

H H Wills

Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, UK. d.l.henshaw@...

Recent

epidemiological studies have reported an increased risk of leukemia in adults

and children near overhead high voltage powerlines at distances beyond the

measured range of the direct electric and magnetic fields. Corona ions are

emitted by powerlines, forming a plume that is carried away from the line by

the wind. The plume generates highly variable disturbances in the

atmospheric electric field of tens to a few hundred V/m on time scales from

seconds to minutes. Such disturbances can be seen up to several hundred meters

from powerlines. It is hypothesized that these random disturbances result in

the disruption of nocturnal melatonin synthesis and related circadian rhythms,

in turn leading to increased risk of a number of adverse health effects

including leukemia. In support of the hypothesis, it is noted that melatonin is

highly protective of oxidative damage to the human hemopoietic system. A review

of electric field studies provides evidence that (i) diurnal variation in the

natural atmospheric electric field may itself act as a weak Zeitgeber; (ii)

melatonin disruption by electric fields occurs in rats; (iii) in humans,

disturbances in circadian rhythms have been observed with artificial fields as

low at 2.5 V/m. Specific suggestions are made to test the aspects of the

hypothesis.

PMID:

18384531

J Pineal

Res. 2008 Apr;44(3):267-72.

Effects

of mobile phone electromagnetic fields at nonthermal SAR values on melatonin

and body weight of Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus).

Lerchl A,

Krüger H, Niehaus M, Streckert JR, Bitz AK, Hansen V.

School of

Engineering and Science, s University Bremen, Bremen, and Institute of

Reproductive Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany. a.lerchl@...

In three

experiments, adult male Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) were exposed 24

hr/day for 60 days to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) at

383, 900, and 1800 MHz, modulated according to the TETRA (383 MHz) and GSM

standards (900 and 1800 MHz), respectively. A radial waveguide system ensured a

well defined and uniform exposure at whole-body averaged specific absorption

rates of 80 mW/kg, which is equal to the upper limit of whole-body exposure of

the general population in Germany and other countries. For each experiment,

using two identical waveguides, hamsters were exposed (n = 120) and

sham-exposed (n = 120) in a blind fashion. In all experiments, pineal and serum

melatonin levels as well as the weights of testes, brain, kidneys, and liver

were not affected. At 383 MHz, exposure resulted in a significant transient

increase in body weight up to 4%, while at 900 MHz this body weight increase

was more pronounced (up to 6%) and not transient. At 1800 MHz, no effect

on body weight was seen. The results corroborate earlier findings which have

shown no effects of RF-EMF on melatonin levels in vivo and in vitro. The data

are in accordance with the hypothesis that absorbed RF energy may result

in metabolic changes which eventually cause body weight increases in exposed

animals. The data support the notion that metabolic effects of RF-EMFs need to

be investigated in more detail in future studies.

PMID:

18339122

Adv

Gerontol. 2008;21(3):474-6.

[influence

of light and electromagnetic radiation of Sun on circadian rhythms of the

total antioxidant capacity of human saliva in the North].

[Article

in Russian]

Borisenkov

MF, Perminova EV, Kosova AL.

The

literature and results of own researches concerning the influence of climatic

conditions of the North on human organism are analyzed in the paper.

Experimental and clinical data are in accordance with a hypothesis of

" circadian destruction " covering the mechanism of negative

influence of factors of the North on human health. The model to describe the

possible mechanism of action of electromagnetic radiations on circadian system

of an organism is offered.

PMID:

19432188

Adv

Gerontol. 2008;21(3):382-5.

[The

influence of geomagnetic field variations on the pineal gland circadian

activity].

[Article

in Russian]

Iashmanov

VA, KoshelevskiÄ­ VK.

Daily

changes of geomagnetic field (GMF) of the Russian northwest region were studied

in different seasons of years with high and low sun activities. It was shown

that Ki-indexes of GMF-activities had minimal values at 4-5 h of UT, as a peak

of maximum was at 20-21 h of UT in winter but in summer it shifted to

14-15 h UT. It has been suggested that the level of GMF in the

environment influences the processes with nitric oxide participation, which

effects on the melatonin production by pineal gland. GMF, along with

illumination, take part in circadian activity of pineal gland.

PMID: 19432170

J Occup

Environ Med. 2007 Oct;49(10):1149-56.

Biomonitoring

of estrogen and melatonin metabolites among women residing near radio and

television broadcasting transmitters.

ML,

Burch JB, Yost MG, Zhai Y, Bachand AM, Fitzpatrick CT, Ramaprasad J, Cragin LA,

Reif JS.

Department

of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University,

Fort , CO, USA.

OBJECTIVES:

Metabolites of estrogen (estrone-3-glucuronide [E1G]) and melatonin

(6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate [6-OHMS]) were characterized among women living in

a community with increased radiofrequency (RF) exposure from radio and

television transmitters. METHODS: RF spot measurements, and personal 60-Hz

magnetic field and residential parameters were collected. Overnight urine

samples were assayed for E1G and 6-OHMS excretion. RESULTS: Among premenopausal

women, there were no associations between RF or 60-Hz nonionizing radiation and

E1G or 6-OHMS excretion. Among postmenopausal women, increased residential RF

exposures, transmitter proximity and visibility, and temporally stable

60-Hz exposures were significantly associated with increased E1G excretion.

This association was strongest among postmenopausal women with low overnight

6-OHMS levels. CONCLUSIONS: RF and temporally stable 60-Hz exposures were

associated with increased E1G excretion among postmenopausal women. Women with

reduced nocturnal 6-OHMS excretion may represent a sensitive subgroup.

PMID:

18000420

Klin Med

(Mosk). 2007;85(8):33-6.

[The

first experience in application of melatonin (melaxen) for prophylaxis of the

effects of magnetic storms on patients with cardiovascular pathology].

[Article

in Russian]

Rapoport

SI, Smirnova AV, Naumcheva NN, GaÄ­dash SP.

The aim of

the investigation was to study a possibility to prevent the effects of

geomagnetic storms (GMS) on cardiovascular patients. The subjects were patients

with stage II to III essential hypertension and functional class II to III

coronary artery disease, who were divided into three groups. Patients in group

I received basic pharmacotherapy; patients in group II were treated with

basic medications plus vitamin E; patients in group III received basic

medications plus melatonin (melaxen). Vitamin E and melaxen were administered

during a calm period, three days before a GMS, on the day of a GMS, and during

three subsequent days. Besides clinico-instrumental examination, the patients

were questioned for a range of clinical data. The results of the study

substantiate the use of melatonin as a measure to prevent the influence of GMS.

PMID:

17926487

Bioelectromagnetics.

2007 Sep;28(6):471-6.

Exposure

of pregnant dairy heifer to magnetic fields at 60 Hz and 30 microT.

Burchard

JF, Nguyen DH, Monardes HG.

Department

of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne de Bellevue, QC, Canada. javier.burchard@...

Thirty-two

pregnant Holstein heifers weighing 499 +/- 45 kg, at 3.1 +/- .7 months of

gestation and 21 +/- 2.0 months of age were confined and exposed to 30

microT magnetic fields (MFs) and a 12 h light/12 h dark light cycle. The

heifers were divided into two replicates of 16 animals. Each replicate was

divided into two groups of eight animals each, one group the non-exposed and

the second, the exposed group. The animals were subjected to the different

treatments for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, the animals switched treatment, the

exposed group becoming the non-exposed group and vice versa. Then the

treatment continued for 4 more weeks. Catheters were inserted into the jugular

vein, and blood samples were collected twice a week to estimate the

concentration of progesterone (P4), melatonin (MLT), prolactin (PRL), and

insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Feed consumption was measured

daily. The results indicated that exposure of pregnant heifers to MF similar to

those encountered underneath a 735 kV high tension electrical power line for 20

h/day during a period of 4 weeks produces slight effects. This is evidenced by

statistically significant higher body weight (1.2%), higher weekly body weight

gain (30%), and decreases in the concentration of PRL (15%) and IGF-1

(4%) in blood serum. The absence of abnormal clinical signs and the absolute

magnitude of the significant changes detected during MF exposure, make it plausible

to preclude any major animal health hazard.

PMID:

17492762

Indian J

Exp Biol. 2007 Jan;45(1):77-85.

Biomarkers

of induced electromagnetic field and cancer.

Behari J,

raj R.

School of Environmental

Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India. jbehari@...

The

present article delineates the epidemiological and experimental studies of

electromagnetic field which affects various tissues of human body. These affects

lead to cell proliferation, which may lead to cancer formation. Certain

biomarkers have been identified which are one way or the other responsible for

tumor promotion or co-promotion. These are (i) melatonin, a hormone secreted by

pineal gland, (ii) Ca2+, which is essential in the regulation of the resting

membrane potential and in the sequence of events in synaptic excitation and

neurotransmitter, release are affected by electromagnetic field, (iii)

ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), a rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis

of polyamines, considered as a useful biological marker; over expression of ODC

can cause cell transformation and enhancement of tumor promotion. (iv) protein

kinase is an enzyme, which transfers phosphate groups from ATP to hydroxyl

groups in the amino acid chains of acceptor proteins, and (v) Na+-K+ ATPase,

which transports sodium and potassium ions across the membrane has a

critical role in living cells. The various possible mechanisms depending upon

non equilibrium thermodynamics, co-operativism, stochastic and resonance are

discussed as possible models of signal transduction in cytosol, thereby

controlling the transcription phenomena. Finally a mechanism comprising

the extremely low frequency and radio frequency (RF)/microwave (MW) modulated

field is compared.

PMID:

17249331

Epidemiology.

2007 Mar;18(2):266-9.

Residential

magnetic fields, medication use, and the risk of breast cancer.

S,

Mirick DK.

Program In

Epidemiology, Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer

Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109-1024, USA. sdavis@...

BACKGROUND:

Exposure to 60-Hz magnetic fields may increase breast cancer risk by

suppressing the nocturnal production of melatonin. The use of medications

associated with reduced melatonin levels could modify this relationship.

METHODS: We recontacted participants in a population-based case-control study

of residential magnetic field exposure and breast cancer risk and

interviewed them regarding medication use during the 10 years before diagnosis.

Cases were diagnosed between November 1992 and March 1995, and magnetic field

levels were measured in the home at diagnosis. We obtained medication use

information by telephone interview from 558 cases and 588 controls. RESULTS:

Breast cancer risk was not associated with exposure to residential magnetic

fields, regardless of medication use. CONCLUSIONS: These results support

previous findings that magnetic field exposure does not increase breast cancer

risk.

PMID:

17202871

Vopr

Onkol. 2005;51(6):708-11.

[seasonal

patterns of breast tumor growth in Far North residents].

[Article

in Russian]

Borisenkov

MF, Bazhenov SM.

Earlier,

we established a relationship between sex hormone receptor concentration in

tumor and 5-year survival, on the one hand, and seasonality, on the other. The

parameters showed a distinct 6-month cycle. That pointed to certain

environmental factors which could synchronize hormone-dependent tumor process

in the breast of women living in the North. The present study is

concerned with a relationship of 6-month rhythm of tumor growth and

latitude of residence. Said rhythm was reliably identified as a parameter of

5-year survival in the Far North (68 deg. northern latitude, p < 0.001).

Maximum values of 5-year survival were registered in those diagnosed with

cancer in winter or summer, while those diagnosed in spring or fall had

unfavorable prognosis. Northern magnetic storms recur at 6-month intervals and

most frequently in spring and fall. Electromagnetic radiation is known to

suppress melatonin production and, that might have stimulated tumor process.

Therefore, it is most likely that solar electromagnetic radiation might

synchronize hormone-dependent tumor process in women resident in the

North.

PMID:

17037040

Bioelectromagnetics.

2006 Dec;27(8):667-73.

No

association between occupational exposure to ELF magnetic field and urinary

6-sulfatoximelatonin in workers.

Gobba F,

Bravo G, Scaringi M, Roccatto L.

Chair of

Occupational Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, University

of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy. f.gobba@...

A

suppression in melatonin secretion is one of the mechanisms proposed to explain

the possible adverse effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields

(ELF-MF), but the results of research are inconclusive. This study investigated

the effect of occupational ELF-MF exposure on 6-sulfatoximelatonin

(6-OHMS). Exposure was monitored for three complete work shifts in 59 workers

using personal exposure meters. Environmental exposure was also evaluated.

Urinary 6-OHMS in morning samples, an indicator of night-time melatonin

production, was measured. Urine was collected twice on Friday and the following

Monday. Workers were classified according to ELF exposure as low exposed

(<or=0.2 microT) or higher exposed (>0.2 microT): 6-OHMS did not differ

between groups (P > .05) in either Friday or Monday urine samples. In

addition, 6-OHMS was not related to exposure under multivariate analysis. The

ratio between 6-OHMS in Monday versus Friday samples was also calculated to

test the hypothesis of a possible variation in pineal function after 2 days,

interruption of occupational ELF-MF exposure: again no exposure-related

difference was observed. Our results do not support the hypothesis that

occupational exposure to ELF-MF significantly influences melatonin secretion.

PMID:

16988988

Int J

Neurosci. 2006 Jul;116(7):775-826.

Serotonergic

mechanisms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Sandyk R.

The

Carrick Institute for Clinical Ergonomics Rehabilitation, and Applied

Neurosciences, School of Engineering Technologies State University of New York

at Farmingdale, Farmingdale, New York 11735, USA. rsandyk@...

Serotonin

(5-HT) has been intimately linked with global regulation of motor behavior,

local control of motoneuron excitability, functional recovery of spinal

motoneurons as well as neuronal maturation and aging. Selective degeneration of

motoneurons is the pathological hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

(ALS). Motoneurons that are preferentially affected in ALS are also

densely innervated by 5-HT neurons (e.g., trigeminal, facial, ambiguus, and

hypoglossal brainstem nuclei as well as ventral horn and motor cortex).

Conversely, motoneuron groups that appear more resistant to the process of

neurodegeneration in ALS (e.g., oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens nuclei) as

well as the cerebellum receive only sparse 5-HT input. The glutamate

excitotoxicity theory maintains that in ALS degeneration of motoneurons is

caused by excessive glutamate neurotransmission, which is neurotoxic. Because

of its facilitatory effects on glutaminergic motoneuron excitation, 5-HT may be

pivotal to the pathogenesis and therapy of ALS. 5-HT levels as well as the

concentrations 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA), the major metabolite of

5-HT, are reduced in postmortem spinal cord tissue of ALS patients indicating

decreased 5-HT release. Furthermore, cerebrospinal fluid levels of tryptophan,

a precursor of 5-HT, are decreased in patients with ALS and plasma

concentrations of tryptophan are also decreased with the lowest levels found in

the most severely affected patients. In ALS progressive degeneration of 5-HT

neurons would result in a compensatory increase in glutamate excitation

of motoneurons. Additionally, because 5-HT, acting through presynaptic 5-HT1B

receptors, inhibits glutamatergic synaptic transmission, lowered 5-HT activity

would lead to increased synaptic glutamate release. Furthermore, 5-HT is a

precursor of melatonin, which inhibits glutamate release and

glutamate-induced neurotoxicity. Thus, progressive degeneration of 5-HT neurons

affecting motoneuron activity constitutes the prime mover of the disease and

its progression and treatment of ALS needs to be focused primarily on boosting

5-HT functions (e.g., pharmacologically via its precursors, reuptake

inhibitors, selective 5-HT1A receptor agonists/5-HT2 receptor antagonists, and

electrically through transcranial administration of AC pulsed picotesla

electromagnetic fields) to prevent excessive glutamate activity in the

motoneurons. In fact, 5HT1A and 5HT2 receptor agonists have been shown to

prevent glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in primary cortical cell cultures and

the 5-HT precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) improved locomotor function and

survival of transgenic SOD1 G93A mice, an animal model of ALS.

PMID:

16861147

Biochim

Biophys Acta. 2006 Apr;1763(4):402-12. Epub 2006 Apr 6.

Gene

expression analysis of ELF-MF exposed human monocytes indicating the

involvement of the alternative activation pathway.

Lupke M,

Frahm J, Lantow M, Maercker C, Remondini D, Bersani F, Simkó M.

Division

of Environmental Physiology, Institute of Cell Biology and Biosystems

Technology, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Str. 3, D-18059 Rostock, Germany.

This study

focused on the cell activating capacity of extremely low frequency magnetic

fields (ELF-MF) on human umbilical cord blood-derived monocytes. Our results

confirm the previous findings of cell activating capacity of ELF-MF (1.0

mT) in human monocytes, which was detected as an increased ROS release.

Furthermore, gene expression profiling (whole-genome cDNA array Human Unigene

RZPD-2) was performed to achieve a comprehensive view of involved genes during

the cell activation process after 45 min ELF-MF exposure. Our results indicate

the alteration of 986 genes involved in metabolism, cellular physiological

processes, signal transduction and immune response. Significant regulations

could be analyzed for 5 genes (expression >2- or <0.5-fold): IL15RA

(Interleukin 15 receptor, alpha chain), EPS15R (Epidermal growth factor

receptor pathway substrate 15 - like 1), DNMT3A (Hypothetical protein

MGC16121), DNMT3A (DNA (cytosine-5) methyltransferase 3 alpha), and one gene

with no match to known genes, DKFZP586J1624. Real-time RT-PCR analysis of the

kinetic of the expression of IL15RA, and IL10RA during 45 min ELF-MF

exposure indicates the regulation of cell activation via the alternative

pathway, whereas the delayed gene expression of FOS, IL2RA and the

melatonin synthesizing enzyme HIOMT suggests the suppression of inflammatory

processes. Accordingly, we suggest that ELF-MF activates human monocytes via

the alternative pathway.

PMID:

16713449

Neuro

Endocrinol Lett. 2006 Feb-Apr;27(1-2):73-80.

Age-dependent

association of exposure to television screen with children's urinary melatonin

excretion?

Salti R,

Tarquini R, Stagi S, Perfetto F, Cornélissen G, Laffi G, Mazzoccoli G, Halberg

F.

Department

of Pediatrics, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.

OBJECTIVES:

Changes in magnetic field are associated with a decrease in nocturnal urinary

melatonin excretion. Television screens emit low and very low frequency

electromagnetic waves (radiofrequencies and light) and exposure to them may be

associated with a decrease in 24-hour melatonin in children's urine. Design and

setting. An observational study in schools of Cavriglia, Italy, determined

melatonin in 24-hour urines from 42 boys and 32 girls 6 to 13 years of age

after one week of watching TV and after another week of abstaining from

watching TV. RESULTS AND MAIN FINDINGS: In a gender- and age-dependent fashion,

exposure to a television screen was associated with lower urinary

melatonin concentrations, affecting particularly younger children at a pubertal

stage when important changes in melatonin's time structure occur. CONCLUSION:

Additional work should test further relations to growth, maturation and

development, focusing on any adverse effect from exposure to a television

screen also on obesity from a neuro-hormonal viewpoint, quite apart from any

decreased activity and/or other lifestyle alterations associated with watching

TV.

PMID:

16648813

Cancer

Causes Control. 2006 May;17(4):553-8.

Electromagnetic

fields and female breast cancer.

Feychting

M, Forssén U.

Institute

of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, s-171 77, Stockholm,

Sweden. .Feychting@...

The

possibility that long term exposure to relatively weak power frequency

electromagnetic fields (EMF) could increase the risk of breast cancer has been

investigated during the past decade. The hypothesis is based on the assumption

that magnetic field exposures suppress melatonin production and that melatonin

is protective against breast cancer. Most epidemiological studies have

indicated little or no overall effect of EMF exposure, but some early studies

suggested effects among premenopausal women, particularly for estrogen receptor

positive breast tumors. The early studies were often limited by small numbers,

crude exposure information and lack of information on confounding factors. In

more recent occupational studies, again no overall risk increases were

reported, but some studies found increased risks in certain subgroups, although

with no consistent pattern across studies. A recent very large occupational

study with improved exposure assessment and enough statistical power also for

subgroup analyses found no indications of increased risks in any subgroups.

Most of the recent well-designed residential studies report no increased risks,

and similar findings are reported in the majority of studies of bed heating

devices. Overall, the weight of the evidence available today does not suggest

an increased risk of breast cancer related to EMF exposure.

PMID:

16596310

Cancer

Causes Control. 2006 May;17(4):547-52.

Is

melatonin the hormonal missing link between magnetic field effects and human

diseases?

Touitou

Y, Bogdan A, Lambrozo J, Selmaoui B.

Faculté

de Médecine Pitié-Salpêtrière, Service de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, 91

bouleavrd de l'Hôpital, 75013, Paris, France. touitou@...

The

disruption of melatonin secretion has been largely studied since it could

provide the missing link between the exposure to 50/60-Hz electric and magnetic

fields (EMF) and the occurrence of possible health effects as the

" melatonin hypothesis " . We analysed the current experimental data

from animal (rodents) where contradictory results have been observed, and from

human studies conducted with volunteers or with workers in various

conditions of exposure, biological endpoints and metrics. In humans, even in

long lasting exposures, the overall results of these studies do not support the

" melatonin hypothesis " . It is unlikely that malignancies or mood

disorders reported by people exposed to 50/60-Hz EMF could be related to the

disruption of the melatonin levels.

PMID:

16596309

Cancer

Causes Control. 2006 May;17(4):539-45.

Circadian

disruption, shift work and the risk of cancer: a summary of the evidence and

studies in Seattle.

S,

Mirick DK.

Program in

Epidemiology, Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer

Research Center, and Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and

Community Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109-1024, USA.

sdavis@...

There is

increasing interest in the possibility that disruption of normal circadian

rhythm may increase the risk of developing cancer. Persons who engage in

nightshift work may exhibit altered nighttime melatonin levels and reproductive

hormone profiles that could increase the risk of hormone-related diseases,

including breast cancer. Epidemiologic studies are now beginning to emerge

suggesting that women who work at night, and who experience sleep deprivation,

circadian disruption, and exposure to light-at-night are at an increased risk

of breast cancer, and possibly colorectal cancer as well. Several studies

have been conducted in Seattle recently to investigate the effects of factors

that can disrupt circadian rhythm and alter normal nocturnal production of

melatonin and reproductive hormones of relevance to breast cancer etiology.

Studies completed to date have found: (1) an increased risk of breast cancer

associated with indicators of exposure to light-at-night and night shift work;

and (2) decreased nocturnal urinary levels of 6-sulphatoxymelatonin associated

with exposure to 60-Hz magnetic fields in the bedroom the same night, and a

number of other factors including hours of daylight, season, alcohol

consumption and body mass index. Recently completed is an experimental

crossover study designed to investigate whether exposure to a 60-Hz magnetic

field under controlled conditions in the home sleeping environment is

associated with a decrease in nocturnal urinary concentration of

6-sulphatoxymelatonin, and an increase in the urinary concentration of

luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and estradiol in a sample of

healthy women of reproductive age. Presently underway is a study to determine

whether working at night is associated with decreased levels of urinary

6-sulphatoxymelatonin, and increased urinary concentrations of the

reproductive hormones listed above in a sample of healthy women of reproductive

age, and to elucidate characteristics of sleep among night shift workers that

are related to the hormone patterns identified. A proposal is under

review to extend these studies to a sample of healthy men to investigate

whether working at night is associated with decreased levels of urinary

6-sulphatoxymelatonin, and increased concentrations of urinary cortisol and

cortisone, urinary levels of a number of androgen metabolites, and serum

concentrations of a number of reproductive hormones. Secondarily, the proposed

study will elucidate characteristics of sleep among night shift workers that

are related to the hormone patterns identified, as well as investigate

whether polymorphisms of the genes thought to regulate the human circadian

clock are associated with the ability to adapt to night shift work. It is anticipated

that collectively these studies will enhance our understanding of the

role of circadian disruption in the etiology of cancer.

PMID:

16596308

Toxicol

Ind Health. 2005 Nov;21(10):273-82.

Cancer

incidence among male military and civil pilots and flight attendants: an

analysis on published data.

Buja

A, Lange JH, Perissinotto E, Rausa G, Grigoletto F, Canova C, Mastrangelo G.

Department

of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, University of Padua, Italy.

Flight

personnel are exposed to cosmic ionizing radiation, chemicals (fuel, jet engine

exhausts, cabin air pollutants), electromagnetic fields from cockpit

instruments, and disrupted sleep patterns. Only recently has cancer risk among

these workers been investigated. With the aim of increasing the precision of

risk estimates of cancer incidence, follow-up studies reporting a standardized

incidence ratio for cancer among male flight attendants, civil and military

pilots were obtained from online databases and analysed. A meta-analysis was

performed by applying a random effect model, obtaining a meta-standardized

incidence ratio (SIR), and 95% confidence interval (CI). In male cabin

attendants, and civil and military pilots, meta-SIRs were 3.42 (CI =

1.94-6.06), 2.18 (1.69-2.80), 1.43 (1.09-1.87) for melanoma; and 7.46

(3.52-15.89), 1.88 (1.23-2.88), 1.80 (1.25-2.58) for other skin cancer,

respectively. These tumors share as risk factors, ionizing radiation,

recreational sun exposure and socioeconomic status. The meta-SIRs are not

adjusted for confounding; the magnitude of risk for melanoma decreased when we

corrected for socioeconomic status. In civil pilots, meta-SIR was 1.47

(1.06-2.05) for prostate cancer. Age (civil pilots are older than military

pilots and cabin attendants) and disrupted sleep pattern (entailing

hyposecretion of melatonin, which has been reported to suppress proliferative

effects of androgen on prostate cancer cells) might be involved. In male cabin

attendants, meta-SIR was 21.5 (2.25-205.8) for Kaposi's sarcoma and 2.49 (1.03-6.03)

for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. AIDS, which was the most frequent single cause of

death in this occupational category, likely explains the excess of the latter

two tumors.

PMID:

16463960

Ann

Epidemiol. 2006 Aug;16(8):622-31. Epub 2006 Feb 2.

Effects

of 60-Hz magnetic field exposure on nocturnal 6-sulfatoxymelatonin, estrogens,

luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone in healthy

reproductive-age women: results of a crossover trial.

S,

Mirick DK, Chen C, Stanczyk FZ.

Program In

Epidemiology, Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer

Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA. sdavis@...

PURPOSE:

Exposure to residential magnetic fields may disrupt the normal nocturnal rise

in melatonin levels, resulting in increased risk for breast cancer, possibly

through increased levels of reproductive hormones. We investigated whether

exposure to a 60-Hz magnetic field under controlled conditions is associated

with a decrease in urinary nocturnal 6-sulfatoxymelatonin level and increase in

luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estrogen

levels in healthy premenopausal women. METHODS: Using a crossover design, half

the participants were assigned to magnetic field exposure of 5 to 10 mG greater

than ambient levels for 5 consecutive nights during the early to midluteal

phase of the menstrual cycle. On the last night of exposure, a nocturnal urine

sample was collected. The next month, participants were sham exposed. The other

half of participants were assigned the reverse order of exposure. RESULTS:

Magnetic field exposure was associated with decreased 6-sulfatoxymelatonin

levels, but no changes in reproductive hormone levels were observed.

Participants using prescription medications and anovulatory participants had

more pronounced decreases in 6-sulfatoxymelatonin levels with magnetic field

exposure. CONCLUSION: This study provides further evidence that exposure to

magnetic fields is associated with decreased nocturnal melatonin levels, but

does not support the hypothesis that such exposure results in increased urinary

levels of estrogens, LH, or FSH.

PMID:

16458540

Bundesgesundheitsblatt

Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz. 2005 Dec;48(12):1406-8.

[Melatonin

in the environmental medicine diagnosis in connection with electromagnetic

fields: statement of the commission " Methods and Quality Assurance in

Environmental Medicine " ].

[Article

in German]

[No

authors listed]

PMID:

16408335

Postepy

Hig Med Dosw (Online). 2006;60:1-7.

The

lunar cycle: effects on human and animal behavior and physiology.

Zimecki M.

Department

of Experimental Therapy, The Institute of Immunology and Experimental

Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland. zimecki@...

Human and

animal physiology are subject to seasonal, lunar, and circadian rhythms.

Although the seasonal and circadian rhythms have been fairly well described,

little is known about the effects of the lunar cycle on the behavior and

physiology of humans and animals. The lunar cycle has an impact on human

reproduction, in particular fertility, menstruation, and birth rate. Melatonin

levels appear to correlate with the menstrual cycle. Admittance to hospitals

and emergency units because of various causes (cardiovascular and acute

coronary events, variceal hemorrhage, diarrhea, urinary retention) correlated

with moon phases. In addition, other events associated with human behavior,

such as traffic accidents, crimes, and suicides, appeared to be influenced by

the lunar cycle. However, a number of reports find no correlation between the

lunar cycle and human reproduction and admittance to clinics and emergency

units. Animal studies revealed that the lunar cycle may affect hormonal

changes early in phylogenesis (insects). In fish the lunar clock influences

reproduction and involves the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. In birds,

the daily variations in melatonin and corticosterone disappear during

full-moon days. The lunar cycle also exerts effects on laboratory rats with

regard to taste sensitivity and the ultrastructure of pineal gland cells.

Cyclic variations related to the moon's phases in the magnitude of the humoral

immune response of mice to polivinylpyrrolidone and sheep erythrocytes were

also described. It is suggested that melatonin and endogenous steroids

may mediate the described cyclic alterations of physiological processes. The

release of neurohormones may be triggered by the electromagnetic radiation

and/or the gravitational pull of the moon. Although the exact mechanism of the

moon's influence on humans and animals awaits further exploration,

knowledge of this kind of biorhythm may be helpful in police surveillance,

medical practice, and investigations involving laboratory animals.

PMID:

16407788

Bioelectromagnetics.

2006 Feb;27(2):142-50.

Effect

of short-wave (6-22 MHz) magnetic fields on sleep quality and melatonin cycle

in humans: the Schwarzenburg shut-down study.

Altpeter

ES, Röösli M, Battaglia M, Pfluger D, Minder CE, Abelin T.

Department

of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland.

This paper

describes the results of a unique " natural experiment " of the

operation and cessation of a broadcast transmitter with its short-wave

electromagnetic fields (6-22 MHz) on sleep quality and melatonin cycle in a

general human population sample. In 1998, 54 volunteers (21 men, 33 women) were

followed for 1 week each before and after shut-down of the short-wave radio

transmitter at Schwarzenburg (Switzerland). Salivary melatonin was sampled five

times a day and total daily excretion and acrophase were estimated using

complex cosinor analysis. Sleep quality was recorded daily using a visual

analogue scale. Before shut down, self-rated sleep quality was reduced by 3.9

units (95% CI: 1.7-6.0) per mA/m increase in magnetic field exposure. The

corresponding decrease in melatonin excretion was 10% (95% CI: -32 to 20%).

After shutdown, sleep quality improved by 1.7 units (95% CI: 0.1-3.4) per mA/m

decrease in magnetic field exposure. Melatonin excretion increased by 15% (95%

CI: -3 to 36%) compared to baseline values suggesting a rebound effect.

Stratified analyses showed an exposure effect on melatonin excretion in poor

sleepers (26% increase; 95% CI: 8-47%) but not in good sleepers. Change in

sleep quality and melatonin excretion was related to the extent of

magnetic field reduction after the transmitter's shut down in poor but not good

sleepers. However, blinding of exposure was not possible in this observational

study and this may have affected the outcome measurements in a direct or

indirect (psychological) way.

PMID:

16342198

Mol Cell

Biochem. 2006 Jan;282(1-2):83-8.

Protective

effects of melatonin and caffeic acid phenethyl ester against retinal

oxidative stress in long-term use of mobile phone: a comparative study.

Ozguner

F, Bardak Y, Comlekci S.

Department

of Physiology, School of Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University, P. K. 13,

32100 Isparta, Turkey. drmfehmi@...

There are

numerous reports on the effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in various

cellular systems. Melatonin and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a

component of honeybee propolis, were recently found to be potent free radical

scavengers and antioxidants. Mechanisms of adverse effects of EMR indicate that

reactive oxygen species may play a role in the biological effects of this

radiation. The present study was carried out to compare the efficacy of the

protective effects of melatonin and CAPE against retinal oxidative stress due

to long-term exposure to 900 MHz EMR emitting mobile phones. Melatonin

and CAPE were administered daily for 60 days to the rats prior to their EMR

exposure during our study. Nitric oxide (NO, an oxidant product) levels and

malondialdehyde (MDA, an index of lipid peroxidation), were used as

markers of retinal oxidative stress in rats following to use of EMR. Superoxide

dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities

were studied to evaluate the changes of antioxidant status in retinal tissue.

Retinal levels of NO and MDA increased in EMR exposed rats while both melatonin

and CAPE caused a significant reduction in the levels of NO and MDA.

Likewise, retinal SOD, GSH-Px and CAT activities decreased in EMR exposed

animals while melatonin and CAPE caused a significant increase in the

activities of these antioxidant enzymes. Treatment of EMR exposed rats with

melatonin or CAPE increased the activities of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT to higher

levels than those of control rats. In conclusion, melatonin and CAPE reduce

retinal oxidative stress after long-term exposure to 900 MHz emitting mobile

phone. Nevertheless, there was no statistically significant difference between

the efficacies of these two antioxidants against to EMR induced oxidative

stress in rat retina. The difference was in only GSH-Px activity in rat retina.

Melatonin stimulated the retinal GSH-Px activity more efficiently than CAPE

did.

PMID:

16317515

J Pineal

Res. 2006 Jan;40(1):86-91.

1800

MHz electromagnetic field effects on melatonin release from isolated

pineal glands.

Sukhotina

I, Streckert JR, Bitz AK, Hansen VW, Lerchl A.

School of

Engineering and Science, International University Bremen, Bremen, Germany.

Isolated

pineal glands of Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) were continuously

perifused by Krebs-Ringer buffer, stimulated with the beta-adrenergic receptor

agonist isoproterenol to induce melatonin synthesis, and exposed for 7 hr to a

1800 MHz continuous wave (CW) or pulsed GSM (Global System for Mobile

Communications)-modulated electromagnetic signal at specific absorption rate

(SAR) rates of 8, 80, 800, and 2700 mW/kg. Experiments were performed in a

blind fashion. Perifusate samples were collected every hour, and melatonin

concentrations were measured by a specific radioimmunoassay. Both types of

signal significantly enhanced melatonin release at 800 mW/kg SAR, while at 2700

mW/kg SAR, melatonin levels were elevated in the CW, but suppressed in the

GSM-exposed pineal glands. As a temperature rise of approximately 1.2 degrees C

was measured at 2700 mW/kg SAR, effects at this level are thermal. With regard

to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, the data do not support the

'melatonin hypothesis,' according to which nonthermal exposure suppresses

melatonin synthesis.

PMID:

16313503

Georgian

Med News. 2005 Oct;(127):61-4.

Ultrastructural

organization of epiphysis in rats under the action of electromagnetic fields

and during mammary carcinogenesi.

Beniashvili

DI, Baazov DSh.

Wolfson

Medical Center, Department of Pathology, Holon.

Experiments

conducted by the authors, as well as clinical studies, show that in addition to

hormonal mis-balance, development of mammary gland cancer is significantly

influenced by the action of low frequency electromagnetic fields on epiphysis.

By reducing the production of melatonin it increases the risk of development of

mammary gland tumors. The review of scientific literature indicates that

pinealocytes are the main morphological substrate responsible for functional

activity of pineal cells. When estimating large specific weight of lipids, many

researchers point to the dependence of their presence in epiphysis on the level

of melatonin. It is thought that hormones of pineal cells are deposited in the

form of lipid drops. The most characteristic feature in the structure of

pinealocytes is the presence of large number of various size complexes in their

bodies and appendices. According to many authors this could be the form of

depositing the secretory products of pinealocytes, such as melatonin,

biological amines, etc. Ultrastructure characteristic of pinealocytes described

in the review provides deeper understanding of the fine structure

morpho-physiology of epiphysis, enable to point out the peculiarities of its functionality

under the influence of electromagnetic fields and discover the organizational

structure of pineal body at a time of the mammary gland tumor development.

PMID:

16308447

Biomed

Pharmacother. 2005 Oct;59 Suppl 1:S24-30.

Chronomics,

neuroendocrine feedsidewards and the recording and consulting of

nowcasts--forecasts of geomagnetics.

Jozsa R,

Halberg F, Cornélissen G, Zeman M, Kazsaki J, Csernus V, Katinas GS, Wendt HW,

Schwartzkopff O, Stebelova K, Dulkova K, Chibisov SM, Engebretson M, Pan W, Bubenik

GA, Nagy G, Herold M, Hardeland R, Hüther G, Pöggeler B, Tarquini R,

Perfetto F, Salti R, Olah A, Csokas N, Delmore P, Otsuka K, Bakken EE, J,

Amory-Mazaudin C.

University

Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.

A

multi-center four-hourly sampling of many tissues for 7 days (00:00 on April

5-20:00 to April 11, 2004), on rats standardized for 1 month in two rooms on

antiphasic lighting regimens happened to start on the day after the second

extremum of a moderate double magnetic storm gauged by the planetary geomagnetic

Kp index (which at each extremum reached 6.3 international [arbitrary] units)

and by an equatorial index Dst falling to -112 and -81 nT, respectively, the

latter on the first day of the sampling. Neuroendocrine chronomes (specifically

circadian time structures) differed during magnetically affected and quiet

days. The circadian melatonin rhythm had a lower MESOR and lower

circadian amplitude and tended to advance in acrophase, while the MESOR and

amplitude of the hypothalamic circadian melatonin rhythm were higher during the

days with the storm. The circadian parameters of circulating corticosterone

were more labile during the days including the storm than during the last three

quiet days. Feedsidewards within the pineal-hypothalamic-adrenocortical network

constitute a mechanism underlying physiological and probably also

pathological associations of the brain and heart with magnetic storms.

Investigators in many fields can gain from at least recording calendar dates in

any publication so that freely available information on geomagnetic, solar and

other physical environmental activity can be looked up. In planning studies and

before starting, one may gain from consulting forecasts and the highly

reliable nowcasts, respectively.

PMCID:

PMC2593644 PMID: 16275503

Biomed

Pharmacother. 2005 Oct;59 Suppl 1:S220-4.

Chronomics

affirm extending scope of lead in phase of duodenal vs. pineal circadian

melatonin rhythms.

Poeggeler

B, Cornélissen G, Huether G, Hardeland R, Józsa R, Zeman M, Stebelova K, Oláh

A, Bubenik G, Pan W, Otsuka K, Schwartzkopff O, Bakken EE, Halberg F.

Institute

of Zoology, Anthropology and Developmental Biology, University of Göttingen,

Göttingen, Germany.

In

Göttingen, Germany, circadian variations in melatonin had been determined

time-macroscopically in pineal glands, blood plasma and duodenum of chicken and

rats. When these data were meta-analyzed, they agreed with the results from an

independent survey on tissues from rats collected in a laboratory in Pécs,

Hungary. In the latter study, tissues were analyzed chemically in Bratislava,

Slovakia, and numerically in Minneapolis, MN, USA, all by single- and

multiple-component cosinor and parameter tests. In rats and chickens, these

inferential statistical procedures clearly demonstrated a lead in phase of the

24-h cosine curves best fitting all of the duodenal vs. those best fitting all

of the pineal melatonin values in each species in 2 geographic (geomagnetic)

locations. The 24-h cosine curve of circulating melatonin was found to be in an

intermediate phase position. Mechanisms of the phase differences and the

contribution of gastrointestinal melatonin to circulating hormone

concentrations are discussed.

PMCID:

PMC2662383 PMID: 16275498

Biomed Pharmacother.

2005 Oct;59 Suppl 1:S109-16.

Circadian

and extracircadian exploration during daytime hours of circulating

corticosterone and other endocrine chronomes.

Jozsa R,

Olah A, Cornélissen G, Csernus V, Otsuka K, Zeman M, Nagy G, Kaszaki J,

Stebelova K, Csokas N, Pan W, Herold M, Bakken EE, Halberg F.

Department

of Anatomy (MTA-TKI), University Pecs, Medical School, Pecs, Hungary.

During 7

consecutive days, blood and several tissues were collected during daytime

working hours only, three times per day at 4-h intervals from inbred Wistar

rats, which had been previously standardized for 1 month in two rooms on a

regimen of 12 h of light (L) alternating with 12 h of darkness (LD12:12). In

one room, lights were on from 09:00 to 21:00 and in the other room,

lights were on from 21:00 to 09:00 (DL12:12; reversed lighting regimen). This

setup provides a convenient design to study circadian and extracircadian

variations over long (e.g., 7-day) spans. Prior checking of certain circadian

rhythms in animals reared in the room on reversed lighting (DL) as compared

with animals in the usual (LD) regimen provided evidence that the 180 degrees

phase-shift had occurred. These measurements were limited to the circadian (and

not extended to infradian) variation. As marker rhythm, the core temperature of

a subsample of rats was measured every 4 h around the clock (by night as well

as by day) before the start of the 7-day sampling. An antiphase of the

circadian rhythm in core temperature was thus demonstrated between rats in the

LD vs. DL rooms. A sex difference in core temperature was also found in each

room. A reversed rhythm in animals kept in DL and an antiphase between

rats kept in DL vs. LD was again shown for the circulating corticosterone

rhythm documented in subsamples of 8 animals of each sex sampled around the

clock during the first approximately 1.5 day of the 7-day sampling. The

findings were in keeping with the proposition that sampling rats at three

timepoints 4 h apart during daytime from two rooms on opposite lighting

regimens allows the assessment of circadian changes, the daytime samples from

animals kept on the reversed lighting regimen accounting for the samples that

would have to be obtained by night from animals kept in the room with the usual

lighting regimen. During the 7-day-long follow-up, circadian and extracircadian

spectral components were mapped for serum corticosterone, taking into account

the large day-to-day variability. A third check on the synchronization of the

animals to their respective lighting regimen was a comparison (and a good

agreement) between studies carried out earlier on the same variables and the

circadian results obtained on core temperature and serum corticosterone in this

study as a whole. The present study happened to start on the day of the second

extremum of a moderate double magnetic storm. The study of any

associations of corticosterone with the storm is beyond our scope herein,

as are the results on circulating prolactin, characterized by a greater

variability and a larger sex difference than corticosterone. Sex

differences and extracircadian aspects of prolactin and endothelin determined

in the same samples are reported elsewhere, as are results on melatonin. Prior

studies on melatonin were confirmed insofar as a circadian profile is concerned

by sampling on two antiphasic lighting regimens, as also reported elsewhere.

Accordingly, a circadian map for the rat will eventually be extended by the

result of this study and aligned with other maps with the qualification of the

unassessed contribution in this study of a magnetic storm.

PMCID:

PMC2576471 PMID: 16275479

J Radiat

Res (Tokyo). 2005 Sep;46(3):313-8.

Exposure

to a 50-hz magnetic field induces a circadian rhythm in 6-hydroxymelatonin

sulfate excretion in mice.

Kumlin

T, Heikkinen P, Laitinen JT, Juutilainen J.

Department

of Environmental Sciences, University of Kuopio. Kuopio, Finland.

tino.kumlin@...

The effect

of magnetic field (MF) exposure on melatonin production was studied in female

CD(2)F(1)(BALB/c x DBA/2) mice. The mice were exposed to a 50 Hz MF at 100

microT for 52 days and nocturnal urine was collected 1, 3, 7, 14, 16 and 23

days after the beginning of MF exposure. The animal room was illuminated

for 12 h daily at 200 lux. To study the circadian rhythm of melatonin

production, night and day samples of urine were collected once, at about 40

days after the beginning of MF exposure. Urinary 6-hydroxy melatonin sulfate

(6-OHMS) was determined to assess melatonin production. The pineal glands were analyzed

for melatonin content at the middle of the dark period. No statistically

significant peak of melatonin was observed in either group. The

light-regulated natural melatonin rhythm was absent in sham-exposed mice. The

MF exposure caused a significant day-night difference in the 6-OHMS levels, but

did not affect the total excretion of 6-OHMS during the 24-hour period. A

possible interpretation of the findings is that MF exposure increases the

sensitivity of the pineal gland to light in this strain normally insensitive to

the circadian light variations. Further studies on interaction of light and MF

exposure might help in understanding the inconsistencies of earlier research on

MFs and melatonin.

PMID:

16210787

Biochem

Biophys Res Commun. 2005 Nov 4;336(4):1144-9.

Induction

of tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer cells by ELF electromagnetic fields.

Girgert R,

Schimming H, Körner W, Gründker C, Hanf V.

Department

of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Göttingen, Germany.

rainer.girgert@...

The

incidence of breast cancer in western societies has been rising ever since the

Second World War. Besides the exposure to a multitude of new chemical

compounds, electromagnetic field exposure has been linked to breast cancer

through a radiation-mediated anti-melatonin pathway. We investigated, whether

low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure interferes with the

anti-estrogenic activity of tamoxifen. Two different clones of the breast

cancer cell line MCF-7 were exposed to highly homogeneous 50Hz

electromagnetic fields and IC(50) values were calculated from

dose-response curves of tamoxifen at various field intensities. An

intensity-dependent shift of tamoxifen dose-response curves to higher

concentrations with a maximal response at 1.2muT was observed. Hypothetically,

electromagnetic field exposure could contribute to tamoxifen resistance

observed in breast cancer after long-term treatment.

PMID:

16168388

Mol Cell

Biochem. 2005 Aug;276(1-2):31-7.

Comparative

analysis of the protective effects of melatonin and caffeic acid phenethyl

ester (CAPE) on mobile phone-induced renal impairment in rat.

Ozguner F,

Oktem F, Armagan A, Yilmaz R, Koyu A, Demirel R, Vural H, Uz E.

Department

of Physiology, School of Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University, P. K. 13

32100 Isparta, Turkey. drmfehmi@...

Melatonin

and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a component of honeybee propolis, were

recently found to be potent free radical scavengers and antioxidants. There are

a number of reports on the effects induced by electromagnetic radiation (EMR)

in various cellular systems. Mechanisms of adverse effects of EMR indicate that

reactive oxygen species may play a role in the biological effects of this

radiation. The present study was carried out to compare the protective effects

of melatonin and CAPE against 900 MHz EMR emitted mobile phone-induced

renal tubular injury. Melatonin was administered whereas CAPE was given for 10

days before the exposure. Urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG, a

marker of renal tubular injury) and malondialdehyde (MDA, an index of lipid

peroxidation), were used as markers of oxidative stress-induced renal

impairment in rats exposed to EMR. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT),

and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were studied to evaluate the

changes of antioxidant status in renal tissue. Urinary NAG and renal MDA were

increased in EMR exposed rats while both melatonin and CAPE caused a

significant reduction in the levels of these parameters. Likewise, renal SOD

and GSH-Px activities were decreased in EMR exposed animals while melatonin

caused a significant increase in the activities of these antioxidant enzymes

but CAPE did not. Melatonin caused a significant decrease in urinary NAG

activity and MDA levels which were increased because of EMR exposure. CAPE also

reduced elevated MDA levels in EMR exposed renal tissue, but the effect of

melatonin was more potent than that of CAPE. Furthermore, treatment of EMR

exposed rats with melatonin increased activities of SOD and GSH-Px to higher

levels than those of control rats. In conclusion, melatonin and CAPE prevent

renal tubular injury by reducing oxidative stress and protect the kidney from

oxidative damage induced by 900 MHz mobile phone. Nevertheless, melatonin seems

to be a more potent antioxidant compared with CAPE in kidney.

PMID:

16132682

Rev

Environ Health. 2005 Apr-Jun;20(2):151-61.

Variations

of melatonin and stress hormones under extended shifts and radiofrequency

electromagnetic radiation.

Vangelova

KK, Israel MS.

Department

of Physiology, Psychology and Ergonomics, National Center of Public Health

Protection, Sofia, Bulgaria. katiavangelova@...

We studied

the time-of-day variations in urinary levels of 6-sulphatoxy-melatonin and three

stress hormones in operators working fast-rotating extended shifts under

radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (EMR). The excretion rate of the

hormones was monitored by radioimmunoassay and spectrofluorimetry at 4-hour

intervals in a group of 36 male operators comprising 12 broadcasting station

operators, 12 TV station operators, and a control group of 12 satellite station

operators. Measuring the time-weighted average (TWA) of EMR exposure revealed a

high-level of exposure in broadcasting station operators (TWAmean= 3.10 microW/

cm2, TWAmax = 137.00 microW/cm2), a low-level in TV station operators (TWAmean

= 1.89 microW/cm2, TWAmax = 5.24 microW/cm2), and a very low level in

satellite station operators. The differences among the groups remained the same

after confounding factors were taken into account. Radiofrequency EMR had no

effect on the typical diurnal pattern of 6-sulphatoxymelatonin.

High-level radiofrequency EMR exposure significantly increased the excretion

rates of cortisol (p < 0.001), adrenaline (p = 0.028), and noradrenaline (p

< 0.000), whereas changes under low-level exposure did not reach

significance. The 24-hour excretion of cortisol and noradrenaline

correlated with TWAmean and TWAmax. In conclusion, the excretion of 6-sulphatoxymelatonin

retained a typical diurnal pattern under fast-rotating extended shifts and

radiofrequency EMR, but showed an exposure-effect relation with stress

hormones.

PMID:

16121836

Bioelectromagnetics.

2005;Suppl 7:S86-97.

Do

magnetic fields cause increased risk of childhood leukemia via melatonin

disruption?

Henshaw

DL, Reiter RJ.

H.H. Wills

Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.

d.l.henshaw@...

Epidemiological

studies have reported associations between exposure to power frequency magnetic

fields and increased risk of certain cancer and noncancer illnesses. For

childhood leukemia, a doubling of risk has been associated with exposures above

0.3/0.4 microT. Here, we propose that the melatonin hypothesis, in which power

frequency magnetic fields suppress the nocturnal production of melatonin in the

pineal gland, accounts for the observed increased risk of childhood leukemia.

Such melatonin disruption has been shown in animals, especially with exposure

to electric and/or rapid on/off magnetic fields. Equivocal evidence has been

obtained from controlled laboratory magnetic field exposures of volunteers,

although the exposure conditions are generally atypical of neighborhood

exposures. In contrast, support for the hypothesis is found in the body of

studies showing magnetic field disruption of melatonin in human populations

chronically exposed to both electric and magnetic fields associated with

electricity distribution. Further support comes from the observation that melatonin

is highly protective of oxidative damage to the human haemopoietic system.

Aspects of the hypothesis are amenable to further investigation.

PMID:

16059923

Toxicol

Ind Health. 2005 Mar;21(1-2):27-31.

No

effects of 900 MHz and 1800 MHz electromagnetic field emitted from cellular

phone on nocturnal serum melatonin levels in rats.

Koyu A,

Ozguner F, Cesur G, Gokalp O, Mollaoglu H, Caliskan S, Delibas N.

Department

of Physiology, Suleyman Demirel University, School of Medicine, Isparta,

Turkey. ahmetkoyu@...

In this

study, the effects of exposure to a 900 MHz and 1800 MHz electromagnetic

field (EMF) on serum nocturnal melatonin levels of adult male Sprague-Dawley

rats were studied. Thirty rats were used in three independent groups, 10 of

which were exposed to 900 MHz, 10 of which were exposed to 1800 MHz and 10 of

which were sham-exposed (control). The exposures were performed 30 min/day, for

five days/week for four weeks to 900 MHz or 1800 MHz EMF Control animals were

kept under the same environmental conditions as the study groups except with no

EMF exposure. The concentration of nocturnal melatonin in the rat serum was

measured by using a radioimmunoassay method. There were no statistically

significant differences in serum melatonin concentrations between the 900 MHz

EMF group and the sham-exposed group (P > 0.05). The values at 12:00 pm were

39.11 +/- 6.5 pg/mL in the sham-exposed group and 34.97 +/- 5.1 pg/mL in the

900 MHz EMF-exposed group. Also, there were no statistically significant differences

in serum melatonin concentrations between the sham-exposed group and the 1800

MHz EMF-exposed group (P > 0.05). The values at 12:00 pm were 39.11 +/- 6.5

pg/mL in the sham-exposed group and 37.96 +/- 7.4 pg/mL in the exposed

group. These results indicate that mobile phones, emitting 900 and 1800 MHz

EMF, have no effect on nocturnal serum melatonin levels in rats.

PMID:

15986574

Arch Med

Res. 2005 Jul-Aug;36(4):350-5.

Oxidative

damage in the kidney induced by 900-MHz-emitted mobile phone: protection by

melatonin.

Oktem F,

Ozguner F, Mollaoglu H, Koyu A, Uz E.

Department

of Pediatric Nephrology, School of Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University,

Isparta, Turkey.

BACKGROUND:

The mobile phones emitting 900-MHz electromagnetic radiation (EMR) may be mainly

absorbed by kidneys because they are often carried in belts. Melatonin, the

chief secretory product of the pineal gland, was recently found to be a potent

free radical scavenger and antioxidant. The aim of this study was to

examine 900-MHz mobile phone-induced oxidative stress that promotes production

of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on renal tubular damage and the role of

melatonin on kidney tissue against possible oxidative damage in rats. METHODS:

The animals were randomly grouped as follows: 1) sham-operated control group

and 2) study groups: i) 900-MHz EMR exposed (30 min/day for 10 days)

group and ii) 900-MHz EMR exposed+melatonin (100 microg kg(-1) s.c.

before the daily EMR exposure) treated group. Malondialdehyde (MDA), an index

of lipid peroxidation), and urine N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase (NAG), a

marker of renal tubular damage were used as markers of oxidative stress-induced

renal impairment. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione

peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were studied to evaluate the changes of

antioxidant status. RESULTS: In the EMR-exposed group, while tissue MDA and

urine NAG levels increased, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities were reduced.

Melatonin treatment reversed these effects as well. In this study, the increase

in MDA levels of renal tissue and in urine NAG and also the decrease in renal

SOD, CAT, GSH-Px activities demonstrated the role of oxidative mechanism

induced by 900-MHz mobile phone exposure, and melatonin, via its free radical

scavenging and antioxidant properties, ameliorated oxidative tissue injury in

rat kidney. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that melatonin may exhibit a

protective effect on mobile phone-induced renal impairment in rats.

PMID:

15950073

Toxicol

Ind Health. 2004 Sep;20(6-10):133-9.

Prevention

of mobile phone induced skin tissue changes by melatonin in rat: an

experimental study.

Ozguner F,

Aydin G, Mollaoglu H, Gökalp O, Koyu A, Cesur G.

Department

of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta,

Turkey. drmfehmi@...

Most of

the mobile phones in Turkey emit 900 MHz radiation which is mainly absorbed by

the skin and, to a lesser extent, muscle. The aim of this study was to

investigate the effects the 900 MHz electromagnetic irradiation emitted by

these devices on the induction of histopathologic changes in skin and the

effect of melatonin (Mel) on any of these changes. Thirty male

Wistar-Albino rats were used in the study. The experimental groups were

composed of: a nontreated control group, an irradiated group (IR) without Mel

and an irradiated with Mel treatment group (IR + Mel). 900 MHz radiation

was applied to IR group for 10 days (30 min/day). The IR + Mel group received

10 mg/kg per day melatonin in tap water for 10 days before irradiation. At the

end of the tenth day, the skin graft was excized from the thoraco-abdominal

area. Histopathologic changes in skin were analyzed. In the IR group, increased

thickness of stratum corneum, atrophy of epidermis, papillamatosis, basal cell

proliferation, increased granular cell layer (hypergranulosis) in epidermis and

capillary proliferation, impairment in collagen tissue distribution and

separation of collagen bundles in dermis were all observed compared to the

control group. Most of these changes, except hypergranulosis, were prevented

with melatonin treatment. In conclusion, exposure to 900 MHz radiation emitted

by mobile phones caused mild skin changes. Furthermore, melatonin treatment can

reduce these changes and may have a beneficial effect to prevent 900 MHz mobile

phone-induced rat skin changes.

PMID:

15941010

Otolaryngol

Head Neck Surg. 2005 May;132(5):713-6.

Nitric

oxide level in the nasal and sinus mucosa after exposure to electromagnetic

field.

Yariktas

M, Doner F, Ozguner F, Gokalp O, Dogru H, Delibas N.

Department

of Otolaryngology, Suleyman Demirel University School of Medicine, 32100

Isparta, Turkey. myariktas@...

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in nitric oxide (NO) level

in the nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa after exposure radiofrequency

electromagnetic fields (EMF). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Thirty male

Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly grouped as follows: EMF group (group I; n,

10), EMF group in which melatonin received (group II; n, 10) and the control

(sham operated) group (group III; n, 10). Groups I and II were exposed to a 900

MHz. Oral melatonin was given in group II. Control rats (group III) were

also placed in the tube as the exposure groups, but without exposure to EMF. At

the end of 2 weeks, the rats were sacrificed, and the nasal and paranasal sinus

mucosa dissected. NO was measured in nasal and paranasal mucosa. RESULTS: The

nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa NO levels of group I were significantly higher

than those of the control group (group III) ( P < 0.05). However, there was

no statistically significant difference between group II and the control group

(group III) regarding NO output ( P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Exposure to EMF

released by mobile phones (900 MHz) increase NO levels in the sinus and nasal

mucosa. SIGNIFICANCE: Increased NO levels may act as a defense mechanism and

presumably related to tissue damage. In addition, melatonin may have beneficial

effect to prevent these changes in the mucosa.

PMID:

15886623

Neuro

Endocrinol Lett. 2005 Apr;26(2):136-42.

Urinary

6-sulfatoxymelatonin excretion in humans during domestic exposure to 50 hertz

electromagnetic fields.

Cocco P,

Cocco ME, Paghi L, Avataneo G, Salis A, Meloni M, Atzeri S, Broccia G, Ennas

MG, Erren TC, Reiter RJ.

Department

of Public Health, Occupational Health Section, University of Cagliari, Italy.

coccop@...

OBJECTIVES:

Exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) has

been suggested to suppress melatonin secretion, which might result in

higher cancer risks because of its missing oncostatic action. We

investigated the effects of residential exposure to ELF-EMF on the excretion of

urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (6-OHMS), the major melatonin metabolite, as an

indicator of nocturnal melatonin secretion. METHODS: 6-OHMS was measured in two

spot urine samples, collected at 22.00 h and 08.00 h, in 29 men and 22

women. Spot ELF-EMF measurements were conducted at the centre and the

four angles of the living room, the bedroom, and the kitchen of study subjects

at low current configuration (all lights and appliances turned off), and they

were repeated immediately at high current configuration (all lights and

appliances turned on). RESULTS: Risk of a reduced 6-OMHS nocturnal secretion

was elevated for daily alcohol intake (OR = 6.4; 95%C.I. 1.4,33.1), and body

mass index (BMI) above the median (OR = 2.2; 95%C.I. 0.5,9.6). Risk of

disrupted rhythm of 6-OHMS excretion was moderately elevated for domestic

ELF-EMF exposure above the upper tertile at low current configuration (OR

= 2.6; 95%C.I. 0.4,15.7). CONCLUSION: Alcohol consumption, BMI, and gender seem

to affect nocturnal melatonin secretion, while an effect of residential

exposure to ELF-EMF is uncertain. Future studies should properly account for

the effect of such variables, when addressing the hypothesis of disturbances in

melatonin secretion as a plausible explanation for the reported excess

risk of several tumoral diseases associated with low level ELF-EMF exposure.

PMID:

15855885

Biol Trace

Elem Res. 2004 Winter;102(1-3):227-43.

Influence

of extremely-low-frequency magnetic field on antioxidative melatonin properties

in AT478 murine squamous cell carcinoma culture.

Zwirska-Korczala

K, Adamczyk-Sowa M, Polaniak R, Sowa P, Birkner E, Drzazga Z, Brzozowski T,

Konturek SJ.

Department

of Physiology, Silesian University School of Medicine, Zabrze, Poland.

Effects of

melatonin, extremely-low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF), and their

combination on AT478 murine squamous cell carcinoma line were studied.

Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), copper-zinc superoxide dismutase

(Cu/ZnSOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were used as markers of cells

antioxidative status, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level was used as a marker of

lipid peroxidation. After melatonin treatment, antioxidative enzyme activities

were increased and MDA level was decreased. Application of ELF-MF on treated

cells caused an increase of both superoxide dismutases activity and MDA level,

but influence of ELF-MF on GSH-Px activity was negligible. All enzyme activity

in culture medium containing melatonin (10(-3), 10(-4), 10(-5) M) after

exposure to ELF-MF were significantly diminished compared to cells

treated only with melatonin. Also MDA levels after combined treatment with

melatonin and ELF-MF were significantly decreased. Observed changes were

statistically significant (p<0.05). These results strongly suggest that

ELF-MF attenuates antioxidative actions of melatonin on cellular level.

PMID:

15621941

Bioelectromagnetics.

2005 Jan;26(1):49-53.

Short

term exposure to 1439 MHz pulsed TDMA field does not alter melatonin synthesis

in rats.

Hata K,

Yamaguchi H, Tsurita G, Watanabe S, Wake K, Taki M, Ueno S, Nagawa H.

Department

of Surgical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1

Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan. khata-tky@...

The

widespread use of the mobile phone has initiated many studies on the possible

adverse effects of a high frequency electromagnetic field (EMF), which is used

in mobile phones. A low frequency EMF is reported to suppress melatonin

synthesis. The aim of this study was to clarify the effects on melatonin

synthesis in rats after short term exposure to a 1439 MHz time division multiple

access (TDMA) EMF. The average specific absorption ratio (SAR) of the brain was

7.5 W/kg, and the average SARs of the whole body were 1.9 and 2.0 W/kg for male

and female rats, respectively. A total of 208 male and female rats were

investigated. After acclimatization to a 12 h light-dark (LD) cycle, serum and

pineal melatonin levels together with pineal serotonin level under a dark

condition (less than 1 lux) were examined by radioimmunoassay. No significant

differences in melatonin and serotonin levels were observed between the

exposure, sham, and cage control groups. These results suggest that short term

exposure to a 1439 MHz TDMA EMF, which is about four times stronger than that

emitted by mobile phones, does not alter melatonin and serotonin synthesis in

rats. Further investigations on the effects of long term exposure are

warranted.

PMID:

15605405

ScientificWorldJournal.

2004 Oct 20;4 Suppl 2:23-8.

Electromagnetic

fields and human endocrine system.

Karasek M,

Woldanska-Okonska M.

Department

of Electron Microscopy, Chair of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Lodz,

Poland. karasek@...

Extremely

low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF EMF) are commonly present in

daily life all over the world. Moreover, EMF are used in the physiotherapy of

many diseases because of their beneficial effects. There is widespread public

concern that EMF may have potential consequences for human health. Although

experimental animal studies indicate that EMF may influence secretion of some

hormones, the data on the effects of EMF on human endocrine system are scarce.

Most of the results concentrate on influence of EMF on secretion of melatonin.

In this review, the data on the influence of EMF on human endocrine system are

briefly presented and discussed.

PMID:

15517099

Bioelectromagnetics.

2004 Oct;25(7):508-15.

Blood

melatonin and prolactin concentrations in dairy cows exposed to 60 Hz electric

and magnetic fields during 8 h photoperiods.

M, Petitclerc D, Burchard JF, Nguyen DH, Block E.

Department

of Animal Science, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada.

Two

experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that electric and

magnetic field (EMF) exposure may result in endocrine responses similar

to those observed in animals exposed to long days. In the first

experiment, 16 lactating, pregnant Holstein cows were assigned to two

replicates according to a crossover design with treatment switchback. All

animals were confined to wooden metabolic cages and maintained under short day

photoperiods (8 h light/16 h dark). Treated animals were exposed to a vertical

electric field of 10 kV/m and a horizontal magnetic field of 30 microT (EMF)

for 16 h/day for 4 weeks. In a second, similar experiment, 16

nonlactating, nonpregnant Holstein cows subjected to short days were exposed to

EMF, using a similar protocol, for periods corresponding to the duration of one

estrous cycle. In the first experiment, circulating MLT concentrations during

the light period showed a small numerical decrease during EMF exposure (P <

..05). Least-square means for the 8 h light period were 9.9 versus 12.4 pg/ml,

SE = 1.3. Melatonin concentrations during the dark period were not affected by

the treatment. A similar trend was observed in the second experiment, where MLT

concentrations during the light period tended to be lower (8.8 pg/ml vs. 16.3

pg/ml, P < .06) in the EMF exposed group, and no effects were observed

during the dark period. Plasma prolactin (PRL) was increased in the EMF

exposed group (16.6 vs. 12.7 ng/ml, P < .02) in the first experiment. In the

second experiment, the overall PRL concentrations found were lower, and the

mean plasma PRL concentration was not affected by treatment. These

experiments provide evidence that EMF exposure may modify the response of dairy

cows to photoperiod.

PMID:

15376244

J Cell

Biochem. 2004 Sep 1;93(1):83-92.

Extremely

low frequency electromagnetic fields as effectors of cellular responses in

vitro: possible immune cell activation.

Simkó M,

Mattsson MO.

Division

of Environmental Physiology, Institute of Cell Biology and Biosystems

Technology, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 3, D-18059 Rostock,

Germany. myrtill.simko@...

There is

presently an intense discussion if electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure

has consequences for human health. This include exposure to structures and

appliances that emit in the extremely low frequency (ELF) range of the

electromagnetic spectrum, as well as emission coming from communication devices

using the radiofrequency part of the spectrum. Biological effects of such

exposures have been noted frequently, although the implication for specific

health effects is not that clear. The basic interaction mechanism(s) between

such fields and living matter is unknown. Numerous hypotheses have been

suggested, although none is convincingly supported by experimental data.

Various cellular components, processes, and systems can be affected by EMF

exposure. Since it is unlikely that EMF can induce DNA damage directly, most

studies have examined EMF effects on the cell membrane level, general and

specific gene expression, and signal transduction pathways. In addition, a

large number of studies have been performed regarding cell proliferation, cell

cycle regulation, cell differentiation, metabolism, and various physiological

characteristics of cells. Although 50/60 Hz EMF do not directly lead to

genotoxic effects, it is possible that certain cellular processes altered by

exposure to EMF indirectly affect the structure of DNA causing strand

breaks and other chromosomal aberrations. The aim of this article is to present

a hypothesis of a possible initial cellular event affected by exposure to ELF

EMF, an event which is compatible with the multitude of effects observed after

exposure. Based on an extensive literature review, we suggest that ELF EMF

exposure is able to perform such activation by means of increasing levels of

free radicals. Such a general activation is compatible with the diverse

nature of observed effects. Free radicals are intermediates in natural

processes like mitochondrial metabolism and are also a key feature of

phagocytosis. Free radical release is inducible by ionizing radiation or

phorbol ester treatment, both leading to genomic instability. EMF might

be a stimulus to induce an " activated state " of the cell such

as phagocytosis, which then enhances the release of free radicals, in turn

leading to genotoxic events. We envisage that EMF exposure can cause both acute

and chronic effects that are mediated by increased free radical levels: (1)

Direct activation of, for example macrophages (or other cells) by

short-term exposure to EMF leads to phagocytosis (or other cell specific

responses) and consequently, free radical production. This pathway may be

utilized to positively influence certain aspects of the immune response, and

could be useful for specific therapeutic applications. (2) EMF-induced

macrophage (cell) activation includes direct stimulation of free radical

production. (3) An increase in the lifetime of free radicals by EMF leads to

persistently elevated free radical concentrations. In general, reactions in

which radicals are involved become more frequent, increasing the possibility of

DNA damage. (4) Long-term EMF exposure leads to a chronically increased level

of free radicals, subsequently causing an inhibition of the effects of the

pineal gland hormone melatonin. Taken together, these EMF induced reactions

could lead to a higher incidence of DNA damage and therefore, to an increased

risk of tumour development. While the effects on melatonin and the extension of

the lifetime of radicals can explain the link between EMF exposure and

the incidence of for example leukaemia, the two additional mechanisms described

here specifically for mouse macrophages, can explain the possible

correlation between immune cell system stimulation and EMF exposure.

PMID:

15352165

Int J

Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2004 May-Aug;17(2 Suppl):31-6.

Are thyroid

dysfunctions related to stress or microwave exposure (900 MHz)?

Bergamaschi

A, Magrini A, Ales G, Coppeta L, Somma G.

Department

of Occupational Health, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.

antoniobergamaschi@...

In the

last decade, numerous scientific evidence suggested possible adverse health

effects from exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF'S) and the use of mobile

phones. According to some studies EMF induced changes of trans-membrane Ca++

flux may lead to altered metabolism and/or secretion of neurohormones including

TSH, ACTH, GH, prolactin and melatonin. The aim of this research was to analyse

the effects of mobile phone use on thyroid function and to evaluate the

possible role of occupational stress. 2598 employees (1355 men and 1243 women)

with different duties (vendors, operators and network technicians) were

included in the study. Exposure to EMF'S, generated by mobile phones, was

assessed both by submitting a questionnaire directly to the employees and

acquiring data regarding conversation times. The workers were divided into

three groups on the basis of their personal mobile phone use. Moreover, a group

of 160 workers with TSH values below 0.4 UI/l was characterized. No

statistically significant difference regarding TSH values below 0.4 UI/l was

observed among workers with different duties but there was a greater prevalence

of subjects with low SH values among 192 employees with more than 33 hrs./month

conversation time; this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05).

On the basis of our data, it is not possible to establish whether this

result is determined by exposure to EMF'S from mobile phones of by the stress

of using these instruments.

PMID:

15345189

Environ

Health Perspect. 2004 May;112(6):687-94.

Magnetic-field-induced

DNA strand breaks in brain cells of the rat.

Lai H,

Singh NP.

Bioelectromagnetics

Research Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington,

Seattle, Washington 98195-7962, USA. hlai@...

Comment

in: Environ Health Perspect. 2004 Sep;112(13):A726;

author reply A726.

In

previous research, we found that rats acutely (2 hr) exposed to a 60-Hz

sinusoidal magnetic field at intensities of 0.1-0.5 millitesla (mT) showed

increases in DNA single- and double-strand breaks in their brain cells. Further

research showed that these effects could be blocked by pretreating the rats

with the free radical scavengers melatonin and

N-tert-butyl-alpha-phenylnitrone, suggesting the involvement of free radicals.

In the present study, effects of magnetic field exposure on brain cell DNA in

the rat were further investigated. Exposure to a 60-Hz magnetic field at 0.01

mT for 24 hr caused a significant increase in DNA single- and double-strand

breaks. Prolonging the exposure to 48 hr caused a larger increase. This

indicates that the effect is cumulative. In addition, treatment with Trolox (a

vitamin E analog) or 7-nitroindazole (a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor)

blocked magnetic-field-induced DNA strand breaks. These data further support a

role of free radicals on the effects of magnetic fields. Treatment with the

iron chelator deferiprone also blocked the effects of magnetic fields on brain

cell DNA, suggesting the involvement of iron. Acute magnetic field exposure

increased apoptosis and necrosis of brain cells in the rat. We hypothesize that

exposure to a 60-Hz magnetic field initiates an iron-mediated process (e.g.,

the Fenton reaction) that increases free radical formation in brain cells,

leading to DNA strand breaks and cell death. This hypothesis could have an

important implication for the possible health effects associated with exposure

to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields in the public and occupational

environments.

PMCID:

PMC1241963 PMID: 15121512

Bioelectromagnetics.

2004 May;25(4):308-12.

Lack of

effect of 10 kV/m 60 Hz electric field exposure on pregnant dairy heifer

hormones.

Burchard

JF, Nguyen DH, Monardes HG, Petitclerc D.

Department

of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne de Bellevue, QC, Canada.

javier.burchard@...

Sixteen

pregnant Holstein heifers weighing 521 +/- 46 kg, at 3.3 +/- 0.7 months of

gestation and 2.2 +/- 2.0 months of age were confined to wooden metabolism

cages and were exposed to a vertical electric field (EF) of 10.0 +/- 0.4 kV/m

and an artificial light cycle of 12 h light-12 h dark. The heifers were divided

into two replicates of eight each. Each replicate was divided into two

groups of four animals each, one group becoming the non-exposed and the

second, the EF exposed group. The exposed group were housed in metabolism cages

in an area where EF were generated, and the non-exposed group, in metabolism

cages located in the adjacent area where the EF was less than 2% of that

present in the exposed area. The test animals were subject to the

different treatments for 4 weeks continuously. After 4 weeks, the animals

switched treatment, the exposed group becoming the non-exposed group and

vice-versa. Then the treatment continued for 4 more weeks. Catheters were

inserted into the jugular vein of the animals, and blood samples were collected

on twice a week to estimate the serum concentration of progesterone (P4),

melatonin (MLT), prolactin (PRL), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).

Feed consumption was measured daily and feed samples were collected twice a

week. The results indicated that exposure of dairy cattle to EF similar to

those encountered directly underneath a 735 kV high tension electrical power

line carrying a maximum load of current, cannot be associated with any

variation in the experimental variables mentioned above. An exception to this,

is the variation in MLT, which was associated with the EF exposure. Due to the

inconsistency of the MLT response in the different replicates, caution should

be exercised in the interpretation of this phenomenon.

PMID:

15114640

Przegl

Lek. 2003;60(10):657-62.

[biological

effects produced by the influence of low frequency electromagnetic fields on

hormone secretion].

[Article

in Polish]

Woldańska-Okońska

M, Czernicki J.

Oddział

Rehabilitacji Samodzielnego Publicznego Zakładu Opieki Zdrowotnej w Sieradzu.

The

article discusses the role of (electro)magnetic fields in hormone secretion in

humans and animals. The best known hormone whose secretion may be disturbed by

magnetic field is melatonin. The level of serotonin positively reacts to the

presence of magnetic field in the environment-its level is raised. The effect

of magnetic fields on other hormones has not as yet been described. It

seems necessary to continue experimental and epidemiological research on living

organisms (their hormone secretion) to standardise the norms of exposure with

the aim of diagnostic and therapeutic application.

PMID:

15052729

J Occup

Environ Med. 2004 Feb;46(2):104-12.

Immune markers

and ornithine decarboxylase activity among electric utility workers.

Ichinose

TY, Burch JB, Noonan CW, Yost MG, Keefe TJ, Bachand A, Mandeville R, Reif JS.

Department

of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort

, CO 80523, USA.

The

effects of a 60-Hz magnetic field (MF) exposure on white blood cell ornithine

decarboxylase (ODC) activity, natural killer (NK) cell activity, lymphocyte

phenotypes, and differential cell counts were studied among 60 electric utility

workers. Personal MF exposure monitoring over 3 consecutive workdays was

followed by collection of a peripheral blood sample. There were no MF-related

changes in NK activity or the number of circulating neutrophils, eosinophils,

basophils, or T-lymphocytes (CD4, CD8, CD4:CD8 ratio). MF exposure

intensity was associated with decreased ODC activity (P<0.01) and lower NK

cell counts (P=0.04). Melatonin production, which stimulates the immune system,

was quantified on the night preceding immune marker determinations.

Exposure-related reductions in ODC activity, NK and B cells, and monocytes were

strongest among workers with reduced melatonin production. The biological

significance or long-term health consequences associated with these changes are

not known.

PMID:

14767213

Radiat

Prot Dosimetry. 2003;106(4):391-6.

Rapporteur

report: other tissues.

Sienkiewicz

Z.

National

Radiological Protection Board, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RQ, UK.

zenon.sienkiewicz@...

This

report covers the session devoted to 'other tissues'. It considers the effects

of internal electric fields such as those induced by exposure to weak,

extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields, on cardiac physiology,

neuroendocrine (pineal) function and on the processes of tissue repair and

embryonic development. Summaries are provided for each of the papers presented,

and the major aspects of the plenary session are discussed. Overall, these

tissues and processes were not considered to be sensitive to the direct effects

of weak ELF fields, although indirect effects may occur via field induced

changes to the central nervous system.

PMID:

14690284

Radiat

Prot Dosimetry. 2003;106(4):369-73.

Circadian

neuroendocrine physiology and electromagnetic field studies: precautions and

complexities.

Warman GR,

Tripp HM, Warman VL, Arendt J.

Department

of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of

Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. g.warman@...

The

suppression of melatonin by exposure to low frequency electromagnetic

fields (EMFs) 'the melatonin hypothesis'. has been invoked as a possible

mechanism through which exposure to these fields may result in an increased

incidence of cancer. While the effect of light on melatonin is well

established, data showing a similar effect due to EMF exposure are sparse

and, where present, are often poorly controlled. The current review focuses on

the complexities associated with using melatonin as a marker and the dynamic

nature of normal melatonin regulation by the circadian neuroendocrine axis.

These are issues which the authors believe contribute significantly to

the lack of consistency of results in the current literature. Recommendations

on protocol design are also made which, if followed, should enable

researchers to eliminate or control for many of the confounding factors

associated with melatonin being an output from the circadian clock.

PMID:

14690281

Bioelectromagnetics.

2003 Dec;24(8):531-4.

GSM

modulated radiofrequency radiation does not affect 6-sulfatoxymelatonin

excretion of rats.

Bakos J,

Kubinyi G, Sinay H, Thuróczy G.

Department

of Non-Ionizing Radiations, National Frédéric Joliot-Curie Research Institute

for Radiobiology and Radiohygiene, Budapest, Hungary. bakos@...

In this

study, the effect of exposure to 900 and 1800 MHz GSM-like radiofrequency

radiation upon the urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (6SM) excretion of adult male

Wistar rats was studied. Seventy-two rats were used in six independent

experiments, three of which were done with 900 MHz and the other three with

1800 MHz. The exposures were performed in a gigahertz transverse

electromagnetic mode (GTEM) cell. The power densities of radiation were

100 and 20 microW/cm(2) at 900 and 1800 MHz frequency, respectively. The

carrier frequency was modulated with 218 Hz, as in the GSM signal. The animals

were exposed for 2 h between 8:00 AM and noon daily during the 14 day exposure

period. The urine of rats was collected from 12:00 AM to 8:00 AM, collecting from

exposed and control animal groups on alternate days. The urinary 6SM

concentration was measured by (125)I radioimmunoassay and was referred to

creatinine. The combined results of three experiments done with the same

frequency were statistically analyzed. Statistically significant changes in the

6SM excretion of exposed rats (n = 18) compared to control group (n = 18) were

not found either at 900 or 1800 MHz.

PMID:

14603472

Biomed

Pharmacother. 2003 Oct;57 Suppl 1:45s-54s.

Circasemiannual

chronomics: half-yearly biospheric changes in their own right and as a

circannual waveform.

Cornélissen

G, Halberg F, Pöllmann L, Pöllmann B, Katinas GS, Minne H, Breus T, Sothern RB,

Watanabe Y, Tarquini R, Perfetto F, Maggioni C, D, Gubin D, Otsuka K,

Bakken EE.

Halberg

Chronobiology Center, University of Minnesota, MMC 8689, 420 Delaware Street

SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. corne001@...

Geomagnetic

activity has a strong half-yearly but no precise yearly component in its

spectrum, as Armin Grafe suggested nearly half a century ago. We have

postulated elsewhere that non-photic cycles such as those in geomagnetics may

have signatures in the biosphere and vice versa that biological rhythms have

likely counterparts in the physical environment. Accordingly, we document

phenomena characterized by a prominent about half-yearly variation, re-analyzed

to constitute the start of a transdisciplinary chronomic (time structural) map,

aligning these conditions with a half-yearly cycle in the geomagnetic index Kp.

At least some biospheric phenomena fitted concomitantly with 1- and 0.5-year

cosine curves exhibit an amplitude (A) ratio of A(0.5-year)/A(1-year) larger

than unity. Methodologically, it is pertinent that even if data were read off

published graphs, the resulting analyses were practically the same as those in

the original data received subsequently. The main point is a circasemiannual

pattern in status epilepticus, in several morbid oral conditions, in the cell

density of vasopressin-containing neurons in the human suprachiasmatic nuclei

(SCN), in circulating melatonin at middle latitudes at night during years of

minimal solar activity or around noon at high latitudes, and in an unusual

circasemiannual aspect of a birth-month-dependence of human longevity. Others

have asked whether annual rhythms in human reproduction are biological,

sociological or both. We show some other possibilities herein, involving the

physical environment, hardly to be neglected in the case of open systems. As to

almost certainly multifactorial circasemiannual rhythms, geomagnetics may also

be a signal, a proxy or a putative, at least partial mechanism. Geomagnetic

activity is related in its turn to solar and galactic activity, and may be a

marker for other cyclic events that affect the biosphere. The similarity of

cycle lengths in itself can only be a hint prompting the search for causal

relations.

PMID:

14572677

Complement

Ther Nurs Midwifery. 2003 Nov;9(4):191-7.

Health

hazards and electromagnetic fields.

Saunders

T.

tom@...

Biological

rhythms, physical wellbeing and mental states are dependent on our electrical

brainwave system interacting with the extremely weak electromagnetic fields

generated by the Earth's telluric and Cosmic radiations. In a single

generation, since the evolution of humankind over millions of years, we are

exposed to a wide range of powerful, artificially generated electromagnetic

radiation which adversely affects the subtle balance in nature's energy fields

and has become the source of so-called 'diseases of civilization'. This also

includes electromagnetic sensitivity. Generally, there is a lack of awareness

and understanding of the impact electromagnetic fields can have upon health and

wellbeing.Our ancestors were acutely aware that certain locations, were

perceived to have a positive energy field which was beneficial to health and

vitality. Over time, these areas are now referred to as sacred sites for

spiritual ceremony and as healing centres. In contrast, there are other

geographical locations that can have a negative effect upon health and

these are known as geopathic stress zones. It is believed that such zones can

interfere with the brain's normal function that inhibits the release of

melatonin and other endocrine secretions needed to replenish the immune system.

Geopathic stress can affect animals and plant life as well as human beings and

significantly contributes to sick building syndrome (SBS). Whilst there is an

increasing body of opinion amongst eminent researchers and scientists who

are addressing these issues, the establishment professions are slow to change.

However, very gradually, modern allopathic medicine and attitudes are beginning

to recognise the extraordinary wisdom and efficacy of ancient traditions such as

acupuncture, light, colour and other therapies based on the understanding and

treatment of the interaction of a person's electromagnetic subtle body and the

immediate environment. These and many other 'complementary' therapies may soon

become mainstream medical practice. In the meantime, we can help ourselves by

learning how to detect the hazards and daily practise prudent avoidance.

PMID:

14556768

Bull Acad

Natl Med. 2002;186(9):1625-39; discussion 1639-41.

[Evaluation

of the effect of magnetic fields on the secretion of melatonin in humans and

rats. Circadian study].

[Article

in French]

Touitou Y,

Selmaoui B, Lambrozo J, Auzeby A.

Service

de Biochimie Médicale et Biologie Moléculaire, Faculté de Médecine

Pitié-Salpêtrière, 91 Bld de l'Hôpital-75634 Paris. touitou@...

The

consequences of electromagnetic exposure on human health are receiving

increasing scientific attention and have become the subject of a vigorous

public debate. In the present study we evaluated the effects of magnetic

field on pineal function in man and rat. Two groups of Wistar male rats were

exposed to 50-Hz magnetic fields of either 1, 10 or 100 microT. The first group

was exposed for 12 hours and the second for 30 days (18 hours per day).

Short-term exposure depressed both pineal NAT activity and nocturnal serum

melatonin concentration but only with the highest intensity used (100 microT).

Long-term exposure to a magnetic field significantly depressed the nighttime

peak of serum melatonin concentration and pineal NAT activity with 10 and 100

microT. Our results show that sinusoidal magnetic fields altered the production

of melatonin through an inhibition of pineal NAT activity. Both duration and

intensity of exposure played an important role in this effect. In the second

step of this study, thirty-two young men (20-30 years old) were divided into

two groups (control group, i.e., sham-exposed: 16 subjects; exposed group: 16

subjects). The subjects were exposed to the magnetic field from 23 h to 08 h

(i.e. for 9 h) while lying down. In one experiment the exposure was continuous,

in the second one, the magnetic field was intermittent. No significant

differences were observed between sham-exposed (control) and exposed men for

serum melatonin and 6-sulfatoxymelatonin. In our last and more recent study, we

looked for the circadian rhythm of melatonin in 15 men exposed chronically and

daily for a period of 1-20 years, in the workplace and at home, to a 50 Hz

(exposure 0.1 to > 0.3 microT) magnetic field. The results are compared to

those for 15 unexposed men who served as controls. Blood samples were

taken hourly from 2000 to 0800. Nighttime urine was also collected and

analyzed. This work shows that subjects exposed over a long period (up to

20 years) and on a daily basis to magnetic fields experienced no changes

in their plasma melatonin level, their urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin level, or

the circadian rhythm of melatonin. It thus clearly rebuts the " melatonin

hypothesis " that a decrease in plasma melatonin concentration--or a disruption

in its secretion--explains the occurrence of, clinical disorders or cancers

possibly related to magnetic fields.

PMID:

14556578

Epidemiology.

2003 Sep;14(5):514-20.

Electric

blanket use and breast cancer on Long Island.

Kabat GC,

O'Leary ES, Schoenfeld ER, Greene JM, Grimson R, K, Kaune WT, Gammon

MD, Britton JA, Teitelbaum SL, Neugut AI, Leske MC; EBCLIS Group.

Department

of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony

Brook, NY, USA.

Comment

in: Epidemiology. 2004 May;15(3):375; author reply

375-6. Epidemiology. 2004 May;15(3):376-7; author reply

377-8.

BACKGROUND:

Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) has been hypothesized to increase the

risk of breast cancer by inhibiting the normal nocturnal rise in melatonin

levels. METHODS: Information on electric blanket use was collected in a large,

2-stage, population-based, case-control investigation of breast cancer, The

Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project (LIBCSP) and the EMF and Breast Cancer on

Long Island Study (EBCLIS). The LIBCSP used a comprehensive questionnaire,

including questions about electric appliance use, with responses available on

1354 cases diagnosed between mid-1996 and mid-1997 and 1426 control subjects.

EBCLIS enrolled 576 cases and 585 control subjects who had participated in the

LIBCSP and who had lived in their current homes for at least 15 years. EBCLIS

participants were interviewed to obtain additional information on EMF

exposures, including detailed questions on electric blanket use. RESULTS:

Analyses of both the EBCLIS and the LIBCSP groups showed no association

with breast cancer for ever-use of electric blankets, current or former use,

use directly on the body, or use throughout the night in either pre- or

postmenopausal women (range of adjusted odds ratios for ever vs. never use:

0.9-1.2). Furthermore, there was no trend in risk with increased duration of

use, frequency of use, or other indicators of more intense exposure to EMF.

Electric blanket use was not associated with hormone receptor status of the

tumor. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this large investigation are consistent with

those of most previous studies, and do not support the hypothesis that electric

blanket use is associated with increased breast cancer risk.

PMID:

14501265

Int J

Radiat Biol. 2003 Jun;79(6):431-5.

Magnetic

field (50 Hz) increases N-acetyltransferase, hydroxy-indole-O-methyltransferase

activity and melatonin release through an indirect pathway.

Lewy H,

Massot O, Touitou Y.

Sackler School

of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel. lewyh@...

PURPOSE:

To examine whether magnetic fields (MF) affect N-acetyltransferase (NAT) and

hydroxy-indole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT) activity directly or exert their

effect through a cellular pathway that indirectly regulates the activity of

these enzymes and melatonin release. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The pineal glands

from Wistar rats were isolated at 10:00 h and exposed to MF (50 Hz, 1 mT)

for 4 h in vitro, with or without 1 micro M norepinephrine. An additional group

of pineals was exposed to MF 30 min before norepinephrine addition. The direct

effect of MF on the activity of the enzymes was studied in sonicated glands

exposed to MF. NAT activity, HIOMT activity and melatonin release were

determined. RESULTS: In pineal glands isolated in the morning, 4-h in vitro

exposure did not affect the basal release of melatonin from the pineal

gland as well as the basal NAT and HIOMT activities. Pineal gland

exposure to MF 30 min before norepinephrine addition significantly (p<0.05)

increased NAT activity, HIOMT activity and melatonin release (p<0.05). These

effects were not observed in pineals co-treated with MF and norepinephrine or

in sonicated glands exposed to MF. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that in

pineals isolated in the morning, 4-h MF exposure changes melatonin

release by affecting the signal transduction pathway leading from the

norepinephrine receptor to NAT and HIOMT and not via a direct effect at the

enzyme levels.

PMID:

12963545

Med Pr.

2003;54(1):23-8.

[Protective

effect of melatonin and vitamin E against prooxidative action of iron ions and

static magnetic field].

[Article

in Polish]

Jajte J,

Zmyślony M, Rajkowska E.

Zakładu

Toksykologii, Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Å‚odzi.

The

purpose of this study was to examine the effect of melatonin and vitamin E

(trolox) on the level of lipid peroxidation in rat blood lymphocytes after in

vitro (3 h) exposure to iron ions and/or 7mT static magnetic field (SMF). The

lipid peroxidation process was chosen as a marker of free radical mechanism of

SMF in cells. The cells were supplemented with (0.5 mM) melatonin or (0.1 mM)

vitamin E (trolox) in preincubation. During SMF exposure in Helmholtz coils

some samples were treated with ferrous chloride (10 mg/ml or 20 mg/ml),

while the rest served as controls. There is a significant increase in the

amount of lipid peroxidation end-products (4-HNE + MDA) in rat lymphocytes

after simultaneous exposure to 7 mT SMF and iron ions (versus control samples

and those exposed to SMF alone). Instead, when the cells were treated with

melatonin or trolox and then exposed to iron ions and 7 mT SMF, the level of

lipid peroxidation was significantly reduced. The results also indicated that

melatonin is less effective than vitamin E (trolox) in inhibiting lipid

peroxidation under the experimental conditions used.

PMID:

12731401

J Physiol

Anthropol Appl Human Sci. 2003 Jan;22(1):61-3.

Effects

of the 1900 MHz electromagnetic field emitted from cellular phone on nocturnal

melatonin secretion.

Jarupat S,

Kawabata A, Tokura H, Borkiewicz A.

Department

of Environmental Health, Nara Women's University.

PMID:

12672984

Bioelectromagnetics.

2003 Apr;24(3):206-10.

Extremely

low frequency magnetic field exposure modulates the diurnal rhythm of the pain

threshold in mice.

Choi YM,

Jeong JH, Kim JS, Lee BC, Je HD, Sohn UD.

Department

of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chung Ang University, Seoul, Korea.

The aim of

this study was to determine whether exposure to extremely low frequency

magnetic field (ELF-MF) affects the normal diurnal rhythm of the pain threshold

in mice. Pain thresholds were evaluated in mice using the hot plate test. A

significant increase of pain threshold during night was observed compared to

that during day. This rhythm was attenuated by both constant exposure to light

(LL) and constant exposure to darkness (DD) for 5 days. Under DD exposure, the

diurnal rhythm in pain threshold was restored when mice were exposed to ELF-MF

(60 Hz, 1.5 mT for 12 h daily, from 08:00 to 20:00 h) for 5 days. The diurnal

rhythm was not reversed under dark with reversed ELF-MF cycle (exposure to 1.5

mT from 20:00 to 08:00 h, next day) for 5 days, although pain threshold in the

ELF-MF exposed period of night was slightly decreased. The diurnal rhythm of

melatonin analgesic effect related to pain threshold was also observed under DD

by the exposure of ELF-MF for 5 days, but not for 5 nights. The present results

suggest that ELF-MF may participate in the diurnal rhythm of pain threshold by

acting on the system that is associated with environmental light-dark cycle.

PMID:

12669304

Bioelectromagnetics.

2003 Feb;24(2):118-24.

Circularly

polarised MF (500 micro T 50 Hz) does not acutely suppress melatonin secretion

from cultured Wistar rat pineal glands.

Tripp HM,

Warman GR, Arendt J.

Centre for

Chronobiology, School of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Surrey,

Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom.

Magnetic

fields (MF, 50 Hz) have been proposed to affect melatonin production in

mammals; however, there is very little data about the mechanism by which this

possible interaction may occur. Here we describe results from the first study

in which circularly polarised 50 Hz MF have been administered to isolated

pineals in highly controlled conditions. Melatonin release from isolated Wistar

rat pineal glands, dissected 2 h after light onset ZT 2, was measured in a flow

through culture system, during and after exposure to a 4 h MF similar in nature

and magnitude to that produced in extremely close proximity to a high voltage

power line (500 micro T 50 Hz circularly polarised). Melatonin release from

isolated pineals was comparable to that observed in previous studies,

plateauing to approximately 100 pg/ml/30 min. No significant alterations in

pineal melatonin release were caused by exposure to the MF when compared to

sham exposure (< 1 micro T). These results suggest that if the circadian

system is acutely responsive to MF exposure of this nature, an intact circadian

axis may be necessary in order to observe an effect on the production on

melatonin from the pineal gland

PMID:

12524678

Ind

Health. 2002 Oct;40(4):320-7.

Effects

of electromagnetic radiation (bright light, extremely low-frequency magnetic

fields, infrared radiation) on the circadian rhythm of melatonin synthesis,

rectal temperature, and heart rate.

Griefahn

B, Künemund C, Blaszkewicz M, Lerchl A, Degen GH.

Institute

for Occupational Physiology, University of Dortmund, Ardeystr. 67, D-44139

Dortmund, Fed. Rep. Germany.

Electromagnetic

spectra reduce melatonin production and delay the nadirs of rectal temperature

and heart rate. Seven healthy men (16-22 yrs) completed 4 permuted sessions.

The control session consisted of a 24-hours bedrest at < 30 lux, 18 degrees

C, and < 50 dBA. In the experimental sessions, either light (1500 lux),

magnetic field (16.7 Hz, 0.2 mT), or infrared radiation (65 degrees C)

was applied from 5 pm to 1 am. Salivary melatonin level was determined

hourly, rectal temperature and heart rate were continuously recorded. Melatonin

synthesis was completely suppressed by light but resumed thereafter. The nadirs

of rectal temperature and heart rate were delayed. The magnetic field had no

effect. Infrared radiation elevated rectal temperature and heart rate. Only

bright light affected the circadian rhythms of melatonin synthesis,

rectal temperature, and heart rate, however, differently thus causing a

dissociation, which might enhance the adverse effects of shiftwork in the long

run.

PMID:

12502234

J Dairy

Sci. 2002 Nov;85(11):2843-9.

Effect

of electric and magnetic fields (60 Hz) on production, and levels of growth

hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1, in lactating, pregnant cows subjected

to short days.

M, Petitclerc D, Nguyen DH, Block E, Burchard JF.

Department

of Animal Science, McGill University, 21,111 Lakeshore Rd. Ste. Anne de

Bellevue, QC, Canada H9X 3V9.

Electric

and magnetic fields (EMF) are generated by the transmission of electricity

through high tension lines traversing rural areas. Previous studies showed

increased dry matter intake (DMI) and fat corrected milk in dairy cows exposed

to EMF. Because EMF exposure has been shown to suppress pineal release of

melatonin in some species, it was hypothesized that EMF effects resemble those

of exposure to long days. Previous studies have shown that DMI and milk

production increase in dairy cattle in response to long day photoperiods, and

this has been observed in association with increased circulating insulin-like

growth factor 1 (IGF-1), but not growth hormone (GH). The hypothesis that EMF

act by modifying the response to photoperiod was tested by subjecting dairy

cows to controlled EMF exposure while keeping them under short-day conditions.

Sixteen lactating, pregnant Holstein cows were exposed to a vertical electric

field of 10 kV/m and a horizontal magnetic field of 30 microT in a crossover

design with treatment switchback. Two groups of eight cows each were exposed to

EMF for 16 h/d in either oftwo sequences. Each sequence consisted of three

consecutive 28-d periods. All animals were maintained under short day

conditions (8 h light, 16 h dark) during the trial. DMI and plasma IGF-1

were increased (P < 0.01) during EMF exposure (17.03 vs.16.04 kg/d, SE =

0.4; 137 +/- 6 ng/ml vs 126 +/- 6, respectively). The mean GH concentration was

not affected, but a treatment x hour interaction was detected, with GH lower

for the EMF exposed animals during the first 16 h of the sampling period, and

higher for the last 8 h. Overall, the yield of milk or its components was not

affected by EMF exposure, but milk yield was significantly higher for the

exposed animals during wk 4 of treatment.

PMID:

12487451

Bioelectromagnetics.

2003 Jan;24(1):12-20.

Acute

exposure to 50 Hz magnetic fields with harmonics and transient

components: lack of effects on nighttime hormonal secretion in men.

Kurokawa

Y, Nitta H, Imai H, Kabuto M.

Regional

Environment Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Ibaraki,

Japan. kurokawa@...

The

purpose of this study was to examine whether low frequency magnetic field (MF)

influences nighttime secretion of hormones, particularly melatonin. Ten healthy

males stayed in the experimental room (2.7 m cube with 3 axis Merritt coils) on

two separate nights. On one night, subjects were exposed to linearly polarized

50 Hz, 20 microT sinusoidal MF with the third (30%) and the fifth (10%)

harmonics and repetitive transient waves (1 burst/s of 1 kHz waves,

exponentially attenuated with a duration of 50 ms; initially 100 microT peak),

and the other night was for blind control. During the nights (2000-0800 h,

including sleeping time, 2300-0700 h), blood samples were collected from the

subjects at 1 h intervals for determining the levels of plasma hormones

(melatonin, growth hormone (GH), cortisol, prolactin) and at 10 min intervals

from 2200 to 0200 h for observing the GH surge induced by sleep. Statistical

analyses revealed no significant difference between the 2 nights in the

profiles of the four hormones, and the result suggested that extremely low

frequency (ELF) or intermediate frequency (IF) MF to which humans are exposed

residentially has no acute effect on nighttime secretion of hormones,

particularly melatonin.

PMID:

12483661

Int J

Radiat Biol. 2002 Nov;78(11):1029-36.

Melatonin

metabolite excretion among cellular telephone users.

Burch JB,

Reif JS, Noonan CW, Ichinose T, Bachand AM, Koleber TL, Yost MG.

Department

of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University,

Fort , CO 80523, USA. james.burch@...

PURPOSE:

The relationship between cellular telephone use and excretion of the melatonin

metabolite 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate (6-OHMS) was evaluated in two populations

of male electric utility workers (Study 1, n=149; Study 2, n=77). MATERIALS AND

METHODS: Participants collected urine samples and recorded cellular telephone

use over 3 consecutive workdays. Personal 60-Hz magnetic field (MF) and ambient

light exposures were characterized on the same days using EMDEX II meters. A

repeated measures analysis was used to assess the effects of cellular telephone

use, alone and combined with MF exposures, after adjustment for age, participation

month and light exposure. RESULTS: No change in 6-OHMS excretion was observed

among those with daily cellular telephone use >25 min in Study 1 (5

worker-days). Study 2 workers with >25 min cellular telephone use per day

(13 worker-days) had lower creatinine-adjusted mean nocturnal 6-OHMS

concentrations (p=0.05) and overnight 6-OHMS excretion (p=0.03) compared with

those without cellular telephone use. There was also a linear trend of

decreasing mean nocturnal 6-OHMS/creatinine concentrations (p=0.02) and

overnight 6-OHMS excretion (p=0.08) across categories of increasing cellular

telephone use. A combined effect of cellular telephone use and occupational

60-Hz MF exposure in reducing 6-OHMS excretion was also observed in Study 2.

CONCLUSIONS: Exposure-related reductions in 6-OHMS excretion were observed in

Study 2, where daily cellular telephone use of >25 min was more prevalent.

Prolonged use of cellular telephones may lead to reduced melatonin production,

and elevated 60-Hz MF exposures may potentiate the effect.

PMID:

12456290

Okajimas

Folia Anat Jpn. 2002 May;79(1):25-31.

The

effect of melatonin on morphological changes in liver induced by magnetic field

exposure in rats.

Gökcimen

A, Ozgüner F, Karaöz E, Ozen S, Aydin G.

Department

of Histology and Embryology, S. Demirel University, School of Medicine,

Isparta, Turkey. agokcimen@...

In this

study, we aimed to investigate the possible effect of melatonin on

morphological changes in liver induced by magnetic fields exposure. Thirty albino

young male Wistar Albino rats were used in the study. They were divided into 3

groups. Control group © (n: 10) received daily intraperitoneal injections of

saline (0.1 ml/100 g) containing 5% ethanol for two weeks. Only magnetic field

exposed (MF) group (n: 10); only magnetic field exposed had daily

intraperitoneal injections of physiologic saline (0.1 ml/100 g) containing 5%

ethanol for two weeks. Magnetic field exposed and melatonin treated (MF+m)

group (n: 10); melatonin was dissolved in ethanol with further dilution in

physiological saline. The animals in this group were exposed magnetic fields

for two weeks. The magnetic fields exposed animals had intraperitoneal single

dose of 4 mg/kg melatonin (0.1 ml/100 g) at 10:00 o'clock daily for two weeks following

magnetic fields exposure. We used commercial CB handheld portable

transceiver, Midland (USA) labelled, of 4 Watts, 40 channel. This channel

frequency has been measured 27.17 MHz with frequency counter. According

to the IRPA exposure standards; for 27 MHz, for 6 min, exposure limit is 0.2

mW/cm2. This value is for General Public. For occupational exposure limit is 1

mW/cm2. We have to consider General Public exposure limit. Therefore our

limit is 0.2 mW/cm2. In other words; in this study; our exposure is always over

the recommended limit. All the animals were decapitated. Liver samples were

fixed in buffered neutral formalin. Paraffin sections were dyed with

hematoxylen-eosin. Sections were examined under light microscopy. In MF group;

sinusoidal dilatations, mixed cell infiltrations noticed in the periportal

area, necrosis and vacuoler degeneration were determined in liver samples.

However, parenchymal and stromal structures were observed to be prevented

partially from effects of magnetic fields in melatonin treated group. In

conclusion, it is suggested that melatonin has a mild preventive effect on

magnetic field exposed changes in liver tissue in the rats.

PMID:

12199535

J Occup

Environ Med. 2002 Aug;44(8):769-75.

Relationship

between amyloid beta protein and melatonin metabolite in a study of

electric utility workers.

Noonan CW,

Reif JS, Burch JB, Ichinose TY, Yost MG, Magnusson K.

Department

of Environmental Health, Colorado State University, Fort , Colorado,

USA. cnoonan@...

This study

assessed the relationship between occupational magnetic field exposure, the

urinary melatonin metabolite 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate (6-OHMS), and

concentrations of blood-borne soluble amyloid beta (A beta), a protein

associated with the hallmark lesions of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Blood and

urine samples were obtained from male electric utility workers (n = 60) to

quantify two lengths of the protein in plasma, A beta (amino acids 1-40) and A

beta (1-42), and the urinary concentrations of 6-OHMS. Average A beta levels

were positively associated with categories of magnetic field exposure, but this

relationship was weak and did not achieve statistical significance. The

melatonin metabolite was inversely correlated with A beta (1-42) and the ratio

of A beta (1-42) to A beta (1-40). This observation is consistent with

recent in vitro data and provides a plausible mechanism for the association

between magnetic field exposure and AD that has been observed in some studies.

PMID:

12185798

Environ

Res. 2002 Jul;89(3):201-9.

No

association of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin with in-bed 60-Hz magnetic field

exposure or illumination level among older adults.

Youngstedt

SD, Kripke DF, Elliott JA, Assmus JD.

Department

of Psychiatry, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California,

92093, USA.

We

examined the association of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s) excretion with in-bed

60-Hz magnetic field (MF) exposure and other potential regulators. Adults aged

50-81 years (n=242 years, mean 67.6+/-5.7 years) were monitored for 1 week in

their home environments. Mean and maximum MF exposure were assessed with EMDEX

Lite instruments. Illumination mesor, amplitude, and acrophase (peak time) were

determined from 24-h Actillume wrist monitors. Other regulators of aMT6s

assessed were age, usage of melatonin-altering medications, and day length.

During two 24-h intervals, all urine voidings were collected. The mesor,

amplitude, and acrophase of aMT6s excretion were determined. Multiple

regression analyses revealed no association between MF and aMT6s. Medication

usage was associated with significantly lower aMT6s mesor and amplitude.

Illumination acrophase and amplitude were significantly associated with aMT6s

acrophase. These data suggest no influence of nocturnal environmental MF

exposure on aMT6s excretion in older adults.

PMID:

12176004

Med

Hypotheses. 2002 Jul;59(1):39-51.

Does

our electricity distribution system pose a serious risk to public health?

Henshaw

DL.

University

of Bristol, HH Wills Physics Laboratory, UK. d.l.henshaw@...

Elevated

magnetic field exposures are associated with increased childhood leukaemia

risk. A link with breast and other cancers has been postulated via modified

melatonin activity. Other illnesses have been linked to electricity

distribution, by association or mechanistic considerations. For selected

illnesses, this paper estimates the annual number of excess cases that might

occur near high-voltage powerlines in the UK. Within 150m of powerlines,

magnetic field exposures above 0.1 microT are postulated to result in 9000

excess cases of depression in adults and 60 cases of suicide. Electric field

effects can mediate increased exposure to air pollution. Within 400m of

powerlines, this may result annually in 200-400 excess cases of lung cancer,

2000-3000 cases of other illnesses associated with air population and 2-6 cases

of childhood leukaemia. Seventeen cases of non-melanoma skin cancer might occur

by exposure directly under powerlines.

PMID:

12160679

Neuro

Endocrinol Lett. 2002 Apr;23 Suppl 1:88-91.

The

excretion of 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate in healthy young men exposed to

electromagnetic fields emitted by cellular phone -- an experimental study.

Bortkiewicz

A, Pilacik B, Gadzicka E, Szymczak W.

Nofer

Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland. alab@...

OBJECTIVES:

It is quite likely that non-visible electromagnetic fields (EMF) may

affect melatonin production. Some studies confirmed this hypothesis and showed

that extremely low EMF altered pineal function in animals and humans. Thus, it

is reasonable to suppose that EMF emitted by cellular phones may also influence

secretion of melatonin. The present study sought to evaluate possible effect of

the exposure to EMF emitted by cellular phone on 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate

(6-OHMS) excretion, which reflects melatonin levels in blood. MATERIAL AND

METHODS: The examined group consisted of 9 healthy males aged 19-29

years. The experiment was performed under controlled conditions (the light

intensity-50 lx till midnight and 0 lx during night). Each person was examined

twice: on a day without exposure (control day, C-day) and on a day with

continuous exposure (60 min. exposure from cellular phone, frequency 900 MHz,

pulsed with 217 Hz, pulse with 576 micros, SAR 1.23 W/kg, E-day). From 7 p.m.

to 8 p.m. they used a cellular phone. The subjects did not know which day

was E-day, and which was C-day. From 8 p.m. till midnight the subjects listened

to music and than they slept till 7 a.m. next day. Urine samples were collected

at 7 p.m., at midnight, and at 7 a.m. in the same way in C-day as in

E-day. Sample were frozen for later ELISA analysis of 6-OHMS. The 6-OHMS

ELISA kit from Immuno-Biological Laboratories (Hamburg) was used for

measurement of 6-OHMS. The data were analysed using Wilcoxon matched-pairs

signed-ranks test for each subject and for the whole group. We compared 6-OHMS

level on the E-day and on the C-day separately for 3 time-points - 7 p.m.,

midnight, 7 a.m. RESULTS: Mean 6-OHMS level in both experiments did not differ

significantly for any of the respective time points. Circadian variations of

6-OHMS level were detected in all subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our

investigation has demonstrated that EMF emitted by cellular phones has no

distinct influence on the melatonin level.

PMID:

12019359

Neuro

Endocrinol Lett. 2002 Apr;23 Suppl 1:84-7.

Melatonin

and magnetic fields.

Karasek M,

Lerchl A.

Laboratory

of Electron Microscopy, Chair of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Lodz.

Poland. karasek@...

There is

public health concern raised by epidemiological studies indicating that

extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields generated by electric

power distribution systems in the environment may be hazardous. Possible

carcinogenic effects of magnetic field in combination with suggested oncostatic

action of melatonin lead to the hypothesis that the primary effects of electric

and magnetic fields exposure is a reduction of melatonin synthesis which, in

turn, may promote cancer growth. In this review the data on the influence of

magnetic fields on melatonin synthesis, both in the animals and humans, are

briefly presented and discussed.

PMID:

12019358

J Natl

Cancer Inst. 2002 Apr 3;94(7):531-2; author reply 533-4.

Re:

Night shift work, light at night, and risk of breast cancer.

Kerenyi N.

Comment

on: J Natl Cancer Inst. 2001 Oct

17;93(20):1557-62. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2001 Oct

17;93(20):1513-5. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2001 Oct 17;93(20):1563-8.

PMID:

11929958

Environ

Health Perspect. 2002 Feb;110(2):A72-3.

The

melatonin hypothesis: a matter of method.

Frentzel-Beyme

R.

Comment

on: Environ Health Perspect. 2001 May;109(5):501-7.

PMCID:

PMC1240747 PMID: 11871346

Am J Epidemiol.

2002 Mar 1;155(5):446-54.

Residential

magnetic fields and the risk of breast cancer.

S,

Mirick DK, s RG.

Program In

Epidemiology, Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer

Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North MP-474, Seattle, WA 98109-1024,

USA. sdavis@...

Chronic

exposure to 60-Hz magnetic fields may increase the risk of breast cancer

by suppressing the normal nocturnal production of melatonin. This

population-based case-control study investigated whether such exposure is

associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in women aged 20-74 years

from the greater Seattle, Washington, area. Cases were diagnosed between

November 1992 and March 1995 (n = 813); controls were identified by random

digit dialing and were frequency matched by 5-year age groups (n = 793).

Exposure was estimated using magnetic field measurements in the home at

diagnosis, wiring configuration of all homes occupied in the 10 years

prior to diagnosis, and self-reported measures of at-home electric appliance

use. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using conditional

logistic regression with adjustment for other potential risk factors. Risk did

not increase with measured nighttime bedroom magnetic field level, wiring

configuration of the home at diagnosis, weighted summary wire codes of all

homes occupied 5 and 10 years prior to diagnosis, or reported use of common

household appliances, including bed-warming devices. These data do not

support the hypothesis that exposure to residential magnetic fields is

associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

PMID:

11867356

Ter Arkh.

2001;73(12):29-33.

[Melatonin

production in hypertonic patients during magnetic storms].

[Article

in Russian]

Rapoport SI,

Shatalova AM, OraevskiÄ­ VN, Malinovskaia NK, Vetterberg L.

AIM: To

study mechanisms of action of natural magnetic field of the Earth on arterial

pressure (AP) and melatonin production in patients with essential hypertension

(EH) stage II. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical, laboratory and device

investigations covered 52 men with EH stage II (mean age 42 +/- 0.92 years) and

11 healthy men (mean age 23 +/- 1.46 years). Mean 24-hour, mean daytime, mean

night systolic and diastolic pressures, 24-h index, time hypertensive index,

standard deviation were registered. Melatonin was measured in the urine by

radioimmunoassay. Geomagnetic situation was assessed by K-index

(quiet--under 15, disturbed--15-25, magnetic storm--above 25). RESULTS: In

hypertensive patients AP grew with growth of geomagnetic activity. In normal

subjects AP remained normal. The 24-h rhythm of AP variability in hypertensives

was normal. Magnetic storm affected melatonin production in EH patients

noticeably: night and daytime production of melatonin was low. In normal

subjects night melatonin production was high. CONCLUSION: AH stage II patients

respond to magnetic storm with maladaptation, i.e. a rise in AP and low

melatonin production.

PMID:

11858104

Biomed

Pharmacother. 2001;55 Suppl 1:57s-62s.

Geomagnetic

activity influences the melatonin secretion at latitude 70 degrees N.

Weydahl A,

Sothern RB, Cornélissen G, Wetterberg L.

Finnmark

University College, Alta, Norway. andi@...

Factors

other than light may affect variations in melatonin, including disturbances in

the geomagnetic field. Such a possibility was tested in Alta, Norway, located

at latitude 70 degrees N, where the aurora borealis is a result of large

changes in the horizontal component (H) of the geomagnetic field. Geomagnetic

disturbances are felt more strongly closer to the pole than at lower

latitudes. Also noteworthy in Alta is the fact that the sun does not rise above

the horizon for several weeks during the winter. To examine whether changes in

geomagnetic activity influence the secretion of melatonin, saliva was collected

from 25 healthy subjects in Alta several times during the day-night and at

different times of the year. Single cosinor analyses yielded individual

estimates of.the circadian amplitude and MESOR of melatonin. A 3-hour mean

value for the local geomagnetic activity index, K, was used for approximately

the same 24-hour span. A circadian rhythm was found to characterize both

melatonin and K, the peak in K (23:24) preceding that of melatonin (06:08).

During the span of investigation, a circannual variation also characterized

both variables. Correlation analyses suggest that changes in geomagnetic

activity had to be of a certain magnitude to affect the circadian

amplitude of melatonin. If large enough (> 80 nT/3 h), changes in

geomagnetic activity also significantly decreased salivary melatonin

concentration.

PMID:

11774869

Carcinogenesis.

2001 Nov;22(11):1837-41.

Lack of

promotion of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-initiated mouse skin carcinogenesis

by 1.5 GHz electromagnetic near fields.

Imaida K,

Kuzutani K, Wang J, Fujiwara O, Ogiso T, Kato K, Shirai T.

1st

Department of Pathology, Nagoya City University Medical School, 1-Kawasumi,

Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan.

The

effects of 1.5 GHz electromagnetic near fields of time division multiple access

(TDMA) signal for the Personal Digital Cellular, Japanese cellular telephone

standard (PDC) used for cellular phones, on mouse skin carcinogenesis initiated

by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) were examined. Ten-week-old ICR female

mice were treated with a single application of DMBA on shaved dorsal skin by

painting at a concentration of 100 microg/100 microl acetone per mouse. One

week later, mice were divided into four groups, receiving electromagnetic near

fields exposure (DMBA-EMF), sham-exposure (DMBA-Sham),

12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA, 4 microg /200 microl acetone/mouse),

as a positive control (DMBA-TPA), and no-treatment (DMBA-Control). EMF near

fields exposure conditions were as follows: skin local peak specific absorption

rate (SAR) 2.0 W/kg, whole body average SAR 0.084 W/kg (ratio of peak to

average SAR is 24), 90 min a day, 5 days a week, for 19 weeks. At week

20, animals were killed and skin tumors were analyzed histopathologically. The

incidences of skin tumors in DMBA-EMF, DMBA-Sham, DMBA-TPA and

DMBA-Control groups were 0/48 (0%), 0/48 (0%), 29/30 (96.6%) and 1/30 (3.3%),

respectively. Histopathologically, papilloma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

were observed in the DMBA-TPA group and only papilloma observed in the

DMBA-Control group. The incidences of squamous cell papillomas and squamous

cell carcinomas in DMBA-TPA and DMBA-Control groups were 29/30 (96.6%)

and 1/30 (3.3%), respectively, numbers of tumors per mouse (tumor multiplicity)

being 18.8 +/- 13.4 and 0.1 +/- 0.5. These data clearly demonstrated that near

fields exposure to 1.5 GHz EMF, used for cellular phones, does not exert

any enhancing effect on skin tumorigenesis initiated by DMBA.

PMID: 11698347

Epidemiology.

2001 Nov;12(6):613-7.

Electric

blanket or mattress cover use and breast cancer incidence in women 50-79 years

of age.

McElroy

JA, Newcomb PA, Remington PL, Egan KM, Titus-Ernstoff L, Trentham-Dietz A, Hampton

JM, Baron JA, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC.

University

of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Madison 53705, USA.

Comment

in: Epidemiology. 2001 Nov;12(6):598-600.

Previous

research has demonstrated inconsistent associations between electromagnetic

radiation, especially from electric blanket use, and breast cancer. Breast

cancer risk according to electric blanket or mattress cover use was examined as

part of a multicenter population-based case-control study. Breast cancer

patients 50-79 years of age (N = 1949) were identified from statewide tumor

registries in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin from the period June

1994 to July 1995. Women of similar age were randomly selected from population

lists as controls. Information regarding electric blanket and mattress cover

use and breast cancer risk factors was obtained through telephone interviews.

After adjustment for age, body mass index, and other breast cancer risk

factors, the risk of breast cancer was similar among ever-users (relative risk

= 0.93; 95% confidence interval = 0.82-1.06) and lower among current users than

among never-users (relative risk = 0.79; 95% confidence interval = 0.66-0.95).

There was no evidence of a dose-response relation with increasing number of

months that electric blankets had been used. This study provides evidence

against a positive association between electric blanket or mattress cover use

and breast cancer.

PMID:

11679786

Epidemiology.

2001 Nov;12(6):598-600.

The

roles of physical activity and electric blankets in breast cancer occurrence.

Bernstein

L.

Department

of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern

California, Los Angeles 90033, USA.

Comment

in: Epidemiology. 2002 Jan;13(1):116.

Comment

on: Epidemiology. 2001 Nov;12(6):613-7.

PMID:

11679782

J Natl

Cancer Inst. 2001 Oct 17;93(20):1557-62.

Night

shift work, light at night, and risk of breast cancer.

S,

Mirick DK, s RG.

Program in

Epidemiology, Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer

Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109-1024, USA. sdavis@...

Comment

in: J Natl Cancer Inst. 2002 Apr 3;94(7):530; author

reply 532-3. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2002 Apr

3;94(7):530-1; author reply 533. J Natl Cancer Inst.

2002 Apr 3;94(7):531-2; author reply 533-4. J Natl

Cancer Inst. 2001 Oct 17;93(20):1513-5.

BACKGROUND:

Exposure to light at night may increase the risk of breast cancer by

suppressing the normal nocturnal production of melatonin by the pineal gland,

which, in turn, could increase the release of estrogen by the ovaries. This

study investigated whether such exposure is associated with an increased risk

of breast cancer in women. METHODS: Case patients (n = 813), aged 20-74 years,

were diagnosed from November 1992 through March 1995; control subjects (n

= 793) were identified by random-digit dialing and were frequency matched

according to 5-year age groups. An in-person interview was used to gather

information on sleep habits and bedroom lighting environment in the 10 years

before diagnosis and lifetime occupational history. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95%

confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by use of conditional logistic

regression, with adjustment for other potential risk factors. RESULTS:

Breast cancer risk was increased among subjects who frequently did not sleep

during the period of the night when melatonin levels are typically at their

highest (OR = 1.14 for each night per week; 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.28). Risk did

not increase with interrupted sleep accompanied by turning on a light.

There was an indication of increased risk among subjects with the brightest

bedrooms. Graveyard shiftwork was associated with increased breast cancer risk

(OR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.0 to 2.5), with a trend of increased risk with increasing

years and with more hours per week of graveyard shiftwork (P =.02, Wald

chi-squared test). CONCLUSION: The results of this study provide evidence that

indicators of exposure to light at night may be associated with the risk of

developing breast cancer.

PMID:

11604479

J Pineal

Res. 2001 Oct;31(3):234-41.

Daytime

50 Hz magnetic field exposure and plasma melatonin and urinary

6-sulfatoxymelatonin concentration profiles in humans.

Crasson M,

Beckers V, Pequeux C, Claustrat B, Legros JJ.

Belgian

BioElectroMagnetic Group, Psychoneuroendocrinology Unit, University of Liège,

B-35, CHU, Sart-Tilman, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.

Concern

about the health effects of extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields (MF)

has been raised by epidemiological studies indicating an association between

certain cancers and living near power lines or working in high electric field

environments. Alterations in pineal function have been proposed as a mechanism

through which power-frequency MFs may interact with living organisms. A double

blind laboratory study was performed to evaluate daytime exposure effects of

100 microT root mean square (rms) 50 Hz MF. Three head exposure sessions

of 30 min each were performed: sham, continuous, and intermittent (15 s on/off

cycles) MFs were presented to each subject in early or late afternoon

(13:30 or 16:30 hr). Twenty-one healthy male volunteers (20-27 yr old)

participated in these 3-weekly experimental conditions. Blood samples

were drawn for serum melatonin measurement, hourly at night (from 20:00 to

07:00 hr) under controlled environmental conditions. Urinary excretion of

6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s), the main melatonin metabolite, was measured

for a 17 hr period, by means of urine samples taken at 19:00 hr (14:00-19:00 hr

" afternoon period " ), 23:00 hr (19:00-23:00 hr " evening

period " ), and 07:00 hr, day 2 (23:00-07:00 hr day 2 " night-time

period " ). There were no significant differences in either plasma melatonin

or in aMT6s excretion profiles in the three experimental conditions. However, a

tendency for a smaller increase of night-time urinary aMT6s after continuous MF

exposure was found (P=0.08) particularly in men with the lower excretion rate

of aMT6s ( " Low Group " ) (P=0.07). We conclude that this study

does not indicate that daytime acute MF exposure influences either

melatonin secretion or aMT6s excretion. Inter-individual differences in pineal

production of melatonin, however, have to be taken into account in further

studies.

PMID:

11589758

Am J

Epidemiol. 2001 Oct 1;154(7):601-9.

Effects

of electric and magnetic fields from high-power lines on female urinary

excretion of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin.

Levallois

P, Dumont M, Touitou Y, Gingras S, Mâsse B, Gauvin D, Kröger E, Bourdages M,

Douville P.

Unité

de recherche en santé publique, Pavillon CHUL, Centre hospitalier universitaire

de Québec, Québec, Canada. patrick.levallois@...

In 1998,

the authors studied the effect of residential exposure to electric and magnetic

fields from high-power lines on female urinary excretion of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin

(6-OHMS) in the Quebec city, Canada, metropolitan area. A sample of 221 women

living near a 735-kV line was compared with 195 women the same age living away

from any power lines. Participants provided morning urine samples on 2 consecutive

days and wore a magnetic dosimeter for 36 consecutive hours to measure personal

magnetic exposure. The indoor electric field was assessed by spot measurements.

After adjustment for other factors associated with low melatonin secretion,

such as medication use or light exposure, nighttime concentration of 6-OHMS was

similar in the two groups. When either 24-hour or sleep-time exposure to

magnetic field or electric field measurements was used, no exposure-effect

relation was evident. However, the trend of decreasing 6-OHMS concentration

with age was more pronounced for women living near the lines, as was a lower

6-OHMS concentration in women with high body mass index. Chronic residential

exposure to magnetic fields from high-power lines may accentuate the decrease

in melatonin secretion observed in some vulnerable subgroups of the population.

PMID:

11581093

J Pineal

Res. 2001 Sep;31(2):109-13.

All-night

exposure to EMF does not alter urinary melatonin, 6-OHMS or immune measures in

older men and women.

Graham C,

Sastre A, Cook MR, Gerkovich MM.

Midwest

Research Institute, Kansas City, Missouri 64110, USA. cgraham@...

Healthy

men (n = 22) and women (n = 24), 40-60 years of age, were exposed all-night

(23:00-07:00 hr) to 60-Hz magnetic fields at an intensity (resultant flux

density = 28.3 microTesla [microT]) well within the occupational-exposure

range, or sham exposed under equivalent, counter-balanced, no-exposure ( <

or = 0.2 microT) control conditions. Concentrations of melatonin, and the major

metabolite of melatonin, 6-hydroxymelatonin-sulfate (6-OHMS), in first-void

morning urine were not altered in either gender by exposure to the magnetic

field, compared to control conditions. Statistical analysis also failed to

reveal any evidence for exposure-related alterations in blood concentrations of

multiple hematologic and immune system parameters (CD3, CD4, CD8, natural

killer [NK] cells). The present results replicate and extend earlier negative

findings based on the exposure of young men to power-frequency magnetic

fields.

PMID:

11555165

Neuro

Oncol. 1999 Jul;1(3):212-20.

Extremely

low frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) and brain cancer in adults and

children: review and comment.

Gurney JG,

van Wijngaarden E.

Division

of Epidemiology/Clinical Research, Department of Pediatrics, School of

Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.

Epidemiologic

and experimental research on the potential carcinogenic effects of

extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) has now been conducted for

over two decades. Cancer epidemiology studies in relation to EMF have focused

primarily on brain cancer and leukemia, both from residential sources of

exposure in children and adults and from occupational exposure in adult men. Because

genotoxic effects of EMF have not been shown, most recent laboratory research

has attempted to show biological effects that could be related to cancer

promotion. In this report, we briefly review residential and occupational EMF

studies on brain cancer. We also provide a general review of experimental

studies as they relate both to the biological plausibility of an EMF-brain

cancer relation and to the insufficiency of such research to help guide

exposure assessment in epidemiologic studies. We conclude from our review that

no recent research, either epidemiologic or experimental, has emerged to

provide reasonable support for a causal role of EMF on brain cancer.

PMID:

11550314

Stress

Med. 1997 Oct;13(4):251-8.

Bright

light and LEET effects on circadian rhythms, sleep and cognitive performance.

TL,

Kripke DF, Hayduk R, Ryman D, Pasche B, Barbault A.

tamsin@...

Shift work

and jet lag can disrupt cicadian rhythms, with detrimetnal effects on

alertness, performance and sleep. This study examined the effects of two

interventions to adapt circadian rhythms, sleep and performance to a 10-h phase

delay of the work-rest cycle. Bright light was administered from 2200 to 0200

each night to promote phase delay of circadian rhythms. Low energy emission

therapy (LEET) was administered for 20 min prior to daytime sleep periods to

promote sleep. Twelve subjects received bright light, 12 subjects received

LEET, 11 received both interventions and 10 control subjects received

only placebo treatments. Bright light accelerated phase delay of the circadian

melatonin rhythms after the work-rest schedule shift. Further, subjects who

received bright light had greater total sleep time (TST) and improved sleep

continuity. LEET treatment produced a trend (p = 0.16) for increased TST, but

LEET did not affect the melatonin circadian rhythm. After the schedule

shift, cognitive performance measures showed few significant differences. Some

minor improvements in cognitive performance were producced by light treatments

but not by LEET.

PMID:

11542396

Environ

Res. 2001 Jun;86(2):198-207.

Evidence

of oxidative stress in American kestrels exposed to electromagnetic fields.

Fernie KJ,

Bird DM.

Avian Science

and Conservation Centre, McGill University, Ste Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, H9X

3V9, Canada. Kim.Fernie@...

Exposure

to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) alters melatonin, behavior, growth, and

reproduction of captive American kestrels (Falco sparverius), particularly of

males. EMF exposure is a " possible " human carcinogen and associated

with some neurodegenerative diseases. Oxidative stress contributes to cancer,

neurodegenerative diseases, and immune disorders. We tested whether EMF exposure

elicits an avian immune response and alters oxidative stress levels. Captive

male kestrels were bred under control or EMF conditions equivalent to those

experienced by wild kestrels. Short-term EMF exposure (one breeding season)

suppressed plasma total proteins, hematocrits, and carotenoids in the first

half of the breeding season. It also suppressed erythrocyte cells and

lymphocyte proportions, but elevated granulosa proportions at the end of the

breeding season. Long-term EMF exposure (two breeding seasons) suppressed

hematocrits in the first half of the reproductive period too. Results indicate

that only short-term EMF birds experience an immune response, particularly

during the early half of the breeding season. The elevation of granulocytes,

and the suppression of carotenoids, total proteins, and previously melatonin in

the same kestrels, signifies that the short-term EMF male kestrels had higher

levels of oxidative stress, due to an immune response and/or EMF exposure.

Long-term EMF exposure may be linked to higher levels of oxidative stress

through EMF exposure only.

PMID:

11437466

Environ

Health Perspect. 2001 May;109(5):501-7.

Examination

of the melatonin hypothesis in women exposed at night to EMF or bright light.

Graham C,

Cook MR, Gerkovich MM, Sastre A.

Midwest

Research Institute, Kansas City, Missouri, USA. cgraham@...

Erratum

in: Environ Health Perspect 2001 Jul;109(7):A304.

Comment

in: Environ Health Perspect. 2002 Feb;110(2):A72-3.

It has

been hypothesized that the increased incidence of breast cancer in industrial

societies is related to greater exposure to power-frequency electric and

magnetic fields (EMF) and/or the presence of high levels of light at night

(LAN). EMF and LAN are said to reduce circulating levels of the hormone

melatonin which, in turn, allows estrogen levels to rise and stimulate the

turnover of breast epithelial stem cells and increase the risk for malignant

transformation. Three laboratory-based studies, in which a total of 53

healthy young women were exposed at night to EMF or to LAN under controlled

exposure conditions, were performed to determine whether such exposures reduce

melatonin and are associated with further alterations in estrogen. All-night

exposure to industrial-strength magnetic fields (60 Hz, 28.3 microT) had no

effect on the blood levels of melatonin or estradiol. In contrast, nocturnal

melatonin levels were profoundly suppressed, and the time of peak concentration

was significantly delayed in women exposed to LAN, regardless of whether they

were in the follicular or luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. These changes,

however, were not associated with alterations in point-for-point matching

measures of estradiol. Women who chronically secrete high or low amounts of

melatonin each night (area-under-curve range: 86-1,296 pg/mL) also did not

differ in their blood levels of estradiol. Taken together, these results are

consistent with a growing body of evidence which generally suggests that

environmental EMF exposure has little or no effect on the parameters

measured in this report.

PMCID:

PMC1240310 PMID: 11401762

Bioelectromagnetics.

2001 May;22(4):280-7.

No

effects of pulsed radio frequency electromagnetic fields on melatonin,

cortisol, and selected markers of the immune system in man.

Radon K,

Parera D, Rose DM, Jung D, Vollrath L.

Institut

für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie der Technischen Universität Berlin, Germany.

Katja.Radon@...

There is

growing public concern that radio frequency electromagnetic fields may have

adverse biological effects. In the present study eight healthy male students

were tested to see whether or not radio frequency electromagnetic fields as

used in modern digital wireless telecommunication (GSM standard) have

noticeable effects on salivary melatonin, cortisol, neopterin, and

immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels during and several hours after exposure. In a

specifically designed, shielded experimental chamber, the circularly polarized

electromagnetic field applied was transmitted by an antenna positioned 10 cm

behind the head of upright sitting test persons. The carrier frequency of 900

MHz was pulsed with 217 Hz (average power flux density 1 W/m2). In double blind

trials, each test person underwent a total of 20 randomly allotted 4 hour periods

of exposure and sham exposure, equally distributed at day and night. The

results obtained show that the salivary concentrations of melatonin, cortisol,

neopterin and sIgA did not differ significantly between exposure and sham

exposure.

PMID:

11298390

J Auton

Pharmacol. 2000 Aug;20(4):259-64.

Effects

of extremely low frequency magnetic fields on pain thresholds in mice: roles of

melatonin and opioids.

Jeong JH,

Choi KB, Yi BC, Chun CH, Sung KY, Sung JY, Gimm YM, Huh IH, Sohn UD.

Department

of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Chung Ang University, Seoul, Republic of

Korea.

1. We

studied the effects of extremely low frequency (ELF, 60 Hz) magnetic fields

(MFs) on pain thresholds using the hot plate test. The implication of opioid

and benzodiazepine system in the MFs-induced alteration of pain

thresholds was also studied. 2. There was an increase at night time and a

decrease at daytime of pain thresholds in normal mice. Exposure of MFs (24 h,

20 gauss (G)) inhibited the increase of pain thresholds at night time and even

produced hyperalgesia at daytime. 3. The increase of pain thresholds induced by

melatonin at daytime was inhibited by exposure to MFs (24 h, 20 G) or opioid

antagonist naloxone. The MFs and naloxone synergically inhibited hypoalgesia

produced by melatonin. The hyperalgesia at daytime after MFs exposure was

potentiated by the benzodiazepine agonist, diazepam, and inhibited by the

benzodiazepine antagonist, flumazenil. There was no significant difference in

all rotarod performance we tested. 4. From these results, it is suggested that

exposure to MFs inhibits the increase of pain thresholds at night time and

produces hyperalgesia at daytime with the involvement of opioid and

benzodiazepine systems.

PMID:

11260364

Bioelectromagnetics.

2001 Apr;22(3):178-84.

Studies

of the interactions between melatonin and 2 Hz, 0.3 mT PEMF on the

proliferation and invasion of human breast cancer cells.

Leman ES,

Sisken BF, Zimmer S, KW.

Department

of Cellular and Molecular Pathology and Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University

of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

Interactions

between the hormone melatonin at pharmacological concentrations (10(-3) M) and

2 Hz, 0.3 mT pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on the proliferation and

invasion of human breast cancer cells were studied in vitro. Three types of

human breast cancer cells were used in this study: MDA-MB-435, MDA-MB-231, and

MCF-7. Results showed that cellular growth of MDA-MB-231 cells, which were

reported to be lowly metastatic, and MCF-7 cells, which were reported to

be nonmetastatic, were both significantly reduced by melatonin regardless of

the presence of the field. Results also showed that MDA-MB-435 and MDA-MB-231

cells were invasive, with MDA-MB-231 cells being more invasive than the

MDA-MB-435 cells for both unexposed and experimental-PEMF groups. In addition,

invasion studies showed that MCF-7 cells were not invasive and that melatonin

did not have any effects on the invasion of these cells, with or without the

PEMF. It is also suggested that since metastasis requires growth and invasion

into tissue, anti-invasion agents can be used in conjunction with melatonin to

prevent formation of secondary metastases. The overall studies suggest that

PEMF at 2 Hz, 0.3 mT does not influence cancer metastasis; while having

clinical merit in the healing of soft tissue injury, this field has shown no

influence on cancer cells as 60 Hz power line fields have.

PMID:

11255213

Bioelectromagnetics.

2001 Feb;22(2):138-43.

Chronic

exposure to ELF magnetic fields during night sleep with electric sheet: effects

on diurnal melatonin rhythms in men.

Hong SC,

Kurokawa Y, Kabuto M, Ohtsuka R.

National

Institute of Environmental Research, Seoul, Korea.

The

possible effects of repeated night-time exposure to an extremely low frequency

magnetic field (ELF-MF) on melatonin were investigated in nine healthy

male subjects aged 23-37 yr. The 16-week experiment consisted of 3 weeks of

pre-exposure, 11 weeks of night-time exposure to MF generated from a nonheated

electric sheet (ES), and 2 weeks of post-exposure recovery observation. The

average MF intensity (rms, mainly 50 Hz AC) on the surface of the sheet was 0.7

microT at the head, 8.3 microT at the waist, and 3.5 microT at the feet of the

subject. For each of the urine samples collected 5 times a day on scheduled

sampling days, the urinary excretion rate (ng/h) of melatonin was determined,

and 24 h rhythms were extracted for each subject and each experimental period

(pre-exposure, first half and latter half exposure, and post-exposure periods)

by the method of complex cosine curve fitting. Although estimates of the peak

height, acrophase, and total daily amount of melatonin were characterized by

significant variations among individual subjects, they did not reveal any

statistically significant difference between exposure periods and nonexposure

periods. Thus, the present study indicates that any profound effect of the MF

originating from an ES on nocturnal melatonin production and its circadian

rhythm is unlikely.

PMID:

11180260

Environ

Res. 2001 Feb;85(2):115-21.

The

influence of long-term exposure of mice to randomly varied power frequency

magnetic fields on their nocturnal melatonin secretion patterns.

de

Bruyn L, de Jager L, Kuyl JM.

Clinical

Skills Unit, University of the Orange Free State, Bloemfontein 9301, Republic

of South Africa.

Disruption

of the normal melatonin rhythm has many implications in health and disease.

Exposure to magnetic fields is alleged to suppress nocturnal melatonin

production, which could implicate magnetic fields in the development of, for

example, breast cancer. Magnetic fields of overhead powerlines allegedly pose a

risk in the development of childhood leukemia, and the question arises whether

changed pineal function could play a role here. In this study two strains of

mice were exposed to a rms 50-Hz magnetic field which varied randomly between

0.5 and 77 microT with an average of 2.75 microT and compared to

sham-exposed groups. The male mice were exposed for 24 h per day from

conception until adult age. Nighttime plasma melatonin values were determined

using radioimmunoassay (n=9 for each time point). Statistical comparison was

done by nonparametric 95% confidence intervals for median differences to

determine nocturnal elevated melatonin values. Although a shortcoming of the

study was the small sample size, no statistically significant difference in the

nocturnal median elevated melatonin values between exposed and sham-exposed

groups could be demonstrated. Long-term and continuous exposure to simulated

powerline magnetic fields did not result in a decreased nocturnal

melatonin secretion in mice.

PMID:

11161661

Reprod

Toxicol. 2001 Jan-Feb;15(1):49-59.

Effects

of low-frequency magnetic fields on implantation in rats.

Huuskonen

H, Saastamoinen V, Komulainen H, Laitinen J, Juutilainen J.

Laboratory

of Toxicology, Division of Environmental Health, National Public Health

Institute, P. O. Box 95, FIN-70701, Kuopio, Finland. hannele.huuskonen@...

Effects of

50-Hz sinusoidal magnetic fields (MFs) on embryo implantation, serum

17beta-estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and melatonin levels, and on

estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR) densities in the uterus

were studied during the preimplantation and implantation periods in rats.

Pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to magnetic r.m.s. field strengths of 10 or

100 A/m (13 or 130 microT) or sham-exposed (controls) from day 0 of pregnancy

for 24 h/day and killed during light and dark periods between 70 h and

176 h after ovulation. MFs did not influence the mean total number of

implantations. The nocturnal mean serum melatonin concentration decreased by 34

and 38% at 10 and 100 A/m, respectively. At the same time, the first embryos,

at an early developmental stage, arrived in the uterus in the MF-exposed

groups. Serum estradiol and progesterone levels did not significantly change.

Nuclear PgR and ER densities in the uterus decreased before implantation and

there was an increased incidence of early stage embryos and fewer hatched

embryos were found in the uterus at 100 A/m. During the early implantation

period, the uterine cytosolic ER/PgR-ratio was increased at 100 A/m and no

implants were concomitantly found in uterus. The nuclear ER/PgR-ratio decreased

during implantation in both MF-groups due to decreased nuclear ER density. At

the same time, 19% and 15% of the embryos (calculated from the corpora luteae)

at 10 and 100 A/m, respectively, were yet morulae and not implanted. In

summary, the results show that MFs do not impair implantation in rats although

there may be some borderline changes in the transport and development of

embryos and associated endocrinologic parameters.

PMID:

11137378

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone..is anyone willing to be contacted for more information or to speak

with me about your own expiriences? Does anyone know of any support groups in

CT? or peer group support? is anyone on here homebound as well form ES on here?

[Guest guest]

Hi

What do you mean by CT?

I'm pretty much home bound, if I go out, I pay for it. The wi-fi and fluorescent

lights make me feel ill, and unfortunately also the sun, so it's not very

exciting

>

> Hi everyone..is anyone willing to be contacted for more information or to

speak with me about your own expiriences? Does anyone know of any support groups

in CT? or peer group support? is anyone on here homebound as well form ES on

here?

>

[Guest guest]

I would be ok with talking with you. Contact me back channel. I am not home

bound. My house is the problem ES wise. Going out is a treat for me.  Which it

was opposite. Loni

From: j_nesdale <j_nesdale@...>

Subject: Electrical sensitivity

Date: Tuesday, March 8, 2011, 1:18 PM

 

Hi everyone..is anyone willing to be contacted for more information or to speak

with me about your own expiriences? Does anyone know of any support groups in

CT? or peer group support? is anyone on here homebound as well form ES on here?